Aston Villa made a late market attempt for Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia last week.
Marca says Villa had an agent make contact with Atletico on deadline day about the midfielder.
Villa were eager to do a deal, though both Atletico and Kondogbia felt there wasn't enough time to consider a move.
The midfielder has started only once for Atletico so far this season.
And Villa could yet try again for the player closer to the January market.