Portugal's star striker Luis Figo will not be joining Man United, according to reports.

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to sign the man he has called, "the most brilliant attacking player in Europe".

But any potential deal collapsed when Barcelona put the asking price at �40m, said The People newspaper.

Figo had been thought to be keen to move from the Nou Camp as he is one of the Catalan club's lowest paid senior players, on a deal worth around �25,000 a week.

Figo has been earmarked as one of the main threats to England when they meet Portugal in their opening game of Euro 2000 on 12 June.

He has enjoyed an excellent season at Barcelona, scoring in the Champions League against both Chelsea and Arsenal.