Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Arsene Wenger is not willing to sell wantaway Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie to Manchester United.
Ferguson revealed his interest in the Gunners striker last month, with several quarters suggesting United were heading the race for the prolific 29-year-old.
However, Arsene Wenger has never sold a player to United during his tenure, and by Ferguson's admissions, it looks like there might not be a change to that in the foreseeable future.
"We have made a bid and they've been trying to negotiate with other clubs," Ferguson told reporters after his team's penalty shootout defeat to Barcelona, following a 0-0 draw in regular time.
"I don't have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit.
"We're not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It's difficult to say why they're operating this way.
"I don't know what their thoughts are because they're not giving anything away."
Some rumors on Wednesday suggested, United had indeed made progress and Van Persie could be on his way for a medical at Old Trafford, but Ferguson immediately shot down those reports. "I can't give you any more information," the Scot said. "We just have to persevere.
"We are trying our best and hopefully it will come our way but there's no progress at this moment in time."
This came as a further blow to United, as PSG earlier announced the signing of Moura from Sao Paulo for a staggering €45 million (£35.5 million, $55.5 million).
Meanwhile, Anderlecht have insisted they have not received any bids for reported Arsenal target Cheikhou Kouyate. Wenger was reportedly thinking about bidding for the 22-year-old, who is equally comfortable as central defender, or a defensive midfielder, after being impressed with his performances for Senegal at the London Olympics.
The Belgian club, however, said they were not aware of any interest from the Gunners. "There has been no bid for him," Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck told Het Laatste Nieuws.
"We know some clubs have looked at him and he has been in the spotlight."
"I have received several calls during the Games," the player's agent Tedir Bekir told Het Nieuwsblad.
"Almost every English team, but also Russian and Turkish teams. His versatility is an asset."
Van Holsbeeck also suggested Kouyate might find it difficult to receive a work permit to play in England, as the youngster is yet to play at senior level, and does not hold a European passport.
"I don't see anybody leaving, but if he leaves it would be for a lot of money," Van Holsbeeck said.
"But Kouyate cannot move to the Premier League because he has not played matches for Senegal."
Meanwhile, Lukas Podolski revealed he is quickly settling to life in England and Arsenal and is nearing full fitness. "I am now two weeks into training and it is not easy when you come back to your club after a European Championship or World Cup," Podolski told the club's official website.
"I need some more weeks and then you will see the real Podolski.
"It has been very good so far. This is a big club with a great coach and I am very proud to be an Arsenal player. I am looking forward to the first match of the season against Sunderland."
Arsenal play Podolski's former club FC Cologne in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday, and said he was looking forward to the match. "I'm back home, in my city, and looking forward to the match," he said. "This is my first match for Arsenal and I am very happy.
"I hope I can score against Cologne, it is not easy but we want to win the match and then look ahead to the game against Sunderland.
"I started my career in Cologne when I was 10 and then I was in the first team when I was 17 or 18 years old. It was a great time; they have great fans, a great stadium and it is a great club.
"Now they are in the second division, so it is not easy but I hope they will go back up to the first division."
