Man Utd reignite pursuit of Portuguese star William Carvalho after Toni Kroos deal dies #BringBackOurGirls #Entertain9jar via @myentertain9jar

MANCHESTER UNITED have stepped up their interest in signing Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho after hopes of landing Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos came to an abrupt end.

Manchester United have refocused on signing Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho[GETTY]

Portuguese reports suggest that Manchester United are keen to explore the possibility of meeting Carvalho's sizeable £37.5million release clause in a bid to bring the midfielder to the Theatre of Dreams. 
Any such deal appeared to have been quashed when the 21-year-old Lisbon star stated in no uncertain terms that he would remain with his side.
However Carvalho may rethink his sentiments amid new reports claiming that Louis Van Gaal has made the midfielder his top priority and is more than willing to meet the hefty release clause.

Carvalho netted four times to help Sporting Lisbon finish second [GETTY]

I am expecting to play for Bayern Munich next season

Toni Kroos

The news that Toni Kroos would remain with German giants Bayern Munich will have come as a blow for United.
The German international broke Manchester hearts when he said: "I am expecting to play for Bayern Munich next season.

 

"There was a lot of speculation, but Manchester is and was not an issue. At this point in time I am fully focused on preparations for the 2014 Fifa World Cup."
Carvalho is now with the Portuguese World Cup squad, making any imminent deal difficult to organise.