Boateng plays down Man Utd move possibility

Jerome Boateng has reportedly rejected the possibility of a summer move to Manchester United and is set to remain at Bayern Munich

According to a report by German publication Sport Bild, Manchester United have lost out in their bid to sign Jerome Boateng ahead of the Thursdays’s summer transfer window’s deadline. The German international called Jose Mourinho of his decision to remain at Bayern Munich, who wish to keep him as well.

Boateng is one of several centre-backs that have been linked with Manchester United this summer, as they look to add the requisite defensive solidity and leadership quality that Jose Mourinho demands.

The German defender has been a backup target for the most part. But, the late juncture of the transfer window in England means that the Premier League heavyweights have been actively pursuing a move for Boateng, with Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire the other major targets.

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In the 29-year-German international, Jose Mourinho would have an experienced head who can provide a boost in European competitions while also being a leader who the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof could look up to.

Widespread reports had even suggested that Manchester United had taken advantage of their pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich to begin negotiations with the Bavarians over the player. But, their reported £22.3 million bid was quickly knocked back by Die Roten, who were looking for double the amount.

However, the latest development in the transfer saga has come as a killing blow to Manchester United. Boateng has turned down the advances of the Red Devils as he is eager to remain at Bayern Munich. In fact, the report suggests that the personally phoned in to Jose Mourinho to let him know of his decision to remain at the Allianz Arena.

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New Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac had held talks with Boateng to let him know of his desire to keep hold of the player, following which he decided to stay put. Furthermore, reports have also claimed that the 29-year-old chose to continue with the Bavarians as he feels Manchester United “are not among the contenders to lift the [Champions League] trophy”.

With all the factors going against them, Manchester United have had to bring their pursuit of Boateng to a grinding halt. The Red Devils must now put their entire focus on landing either Alderweireld or Maguire, with time running out for them to land the elusive centre-back.