Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told reporters it was a waste of time even asking about Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United’s wait for a January signing goes on.

Fernandes remains Man United’s top transfer target this month – but they are still to reach a compromise with Sporting Lisbon.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi final second leg, Solskjaer knew he was set to face fresh questions about the Portugal international.

As one reporter prepared to ask a question, the Norwegian joked: “You’re wasting it. So don’t ask it.”

United are adamant they will not meet the Portuguese club’s valuation of £55m plus £13m in add-ons for Fernandes.

They are prepared to pay closer to the £38m Tottenham bid last summer, with performance-related add-ons.

Solskjaer added: “I haven’t got any updates for you on transfers. I think it was a waste (of a question). I gave you the option.

“I haven’t got anything to say now, my mind is on the game.”

As well as Fernandes, Solskjaer is also desperate to bring in cover up front after Marcus Rashford suffered a double stress fracture of his back.

But with three days until the transfer deadline, United’s manager insists he will not be forced into any panic buys

In Pictures | Manchester United January transfer targets 2020 10 show all In Pictures | Manchester United January transfer targets 2020 1/10 Man Utd transfer targets Old Trafford officials have put together a shortlist for the January 2020 transfer window - here's who makes the cut... AFP via Getty Images 2/10 Donny van de Beek Club: Ajax



Position: Midfielder



Age: 22



AFP via Getty Images 3/10 Bruno Fernandes Club: Sporting Lisbon



Position: Midfielder



Age: 25



AFP/Getty Images 4/10 Emre Can Club: Juventus



Position: Midfielder



Age: 25



REUTERS 5/10 Hakim Ziyech Club: Ajax



Position: Attacking midfielder



Age: 26



Getty Images 6/10 James Maddison Club: Leicester City



Position: Playmaker



Age: 22



REUTERS 7/10 Sean Longstaff Club: Newcastle



Position: Midfielder



Age: 22



Getty Images 8/10 Jadon Sancho Club: Borussia Dortmund



Position: Winger



Age: 19



Bongarts/Getty Images 9/10 Moussa Dembele Club: Lyon



Position: Striker



Age: 22



AFP via Getty Images 10/10 Jude Bellingham Club: Birmingham City



Position: Midfielder



Age: 16



Getty Images 1/10 Man Utd transfer targets Old Trafford officials have put together a shortlist for the January 2020 transfer window - here's who makes the cut... AFP via Getty Images 2/10 Donny van de Beek Club: Ajax



Position: Midfielder



Age: 22



AFP via Getty Images 3/10 Bruno Fernandes Club: Sporting Lisbon



Position: Midfielder



Age: 25



AFP/Getty Images 4/10 Emre Can Club: Juventus



Position: Midfielder



Age: 25



REUTERS 5/10 Hakim Ziyech Club: Ajax



Position: Attacking midfielder



Age: 26



Getty Images 6/10 James Maddison Club: Leicester City



Position: Playmaker



Age: 22



REUTERS 7/10 Sean Longstaff Club: Newcastle



Position: Midfielder



Age: 22



Getty Images 8/10 Jadon Sancho Club: Borussia Dortmund



Position: Winger



Age: 19



Bongarts/Getty Images 9/10 Moussa Dembele Club: Lyon



Position: Striker



Age: 22



AFP via Getty Images 10/10 Jude Bellingham Club: Birmingham City



Position: Midfielder



Age: 16



Getty Images

“We’ve got players here we’re working hard to get back as well and if there is something out there the club is pursuing that,” he said. “It’s difficult. I can’t remember how many good ones we’ve brought in and good deals in January.

“Henrik (Larsson) was good, Nemanja (Vidic) and Patrice (Evra). It’s hard, very hard. The clubs don’t want to lose their best players and Alexis (Sanchez) will come back in the summer and will prove us all wrong.”