Manchester United have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Bayern Munich man Leon Goretzka.
The Red Devils are looking to qualify for next season's Champions League via glory in the Europa League, with the top-flight strugglers facing Lyon in their quarter-final second leg on Thursday night.
Ruben Amorim's side are level with the French outfit following last week's 2-2 draw, meaning that Old Trafford will witness a winner-takes-all affair this time around.
While Man United fight to climb into the Champions League, Goretzka and Bayern Munich suffered a heart-breaking exit from the competition on Wednesday night.
Harry Kane's opener versus Inter Milan provided hope of a final-four appearance, however the Germans eventually lost 4-3 on aggregate to the Nerazzurri.
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Man United-linked Goretzka decides future?
According to Bayern Munich expert Christian Falk, Man United have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Goretzka ahead of the transfer window.
The report claims that the 30-year-old has no intention of leaving the Allianz Arena at the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign in late May.
It is understood that Goretzka wishes to stay for the length of his current contract in Bavaria, taking him up to the summer of 2026 with the Bundesliga powerhouses.
There is also a realisation that no other club would be willing to pay the midfielder's current salary, which stands at a staggering £14.6m per year.
Despite major reservations from the player over a summer switch, Man United are hoping that Goretzka changes his mind on the situation in the near future.
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Man United's midfield options
Despite the arrival of South American enforcer Manuel Ugarte last summer, Man United's midfield remains in need of major surgery during the off-season.
Thirty-three-year-old Christian Eriksen started in the engine room for the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon as they were smashed at St James' Park, losing 4-1 to Newcastle United.
With a view to Thursday's all-important Europa League clash with Lyon, Amorim opted to rest star youngster Kobbie Mainoo from the start in the North-East battle.
Carter White
