Rumour: Blow for Manchester United as Marco Reus is not available for £30m

Manchester United’s transfer plans have been dealt a blow with the news that the release clause of midfield target Marco Reus does not kick in until next season.

Manchester United boss David Moyes is seeking reinforcements across the side, but is particularly keen to strengthen midfield areas. He was believed to have identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Reus, but the Daily Mail report that he is set to be thwarted by the lack of a release clause.

The release clause – set at £30 million – had been widely reported, and looked set to pave the way for potential suitors to pounce for the German. However it now transpires that the release clause does not kick in until next season, making a January move unlikely. The Dortmund born player is unlikely to kick up a fuss to force through a move, whilst Dortmund are not keen on selling the player and are in a strong position to resist moves for one of their star players.

This is not the first time that United boss Moyes has struggled with release clauses. The former Everton boss paid £4 million above Maroune Fellaini’s release clause in order to bring him to Old Trafford, just one month after the clause expired.

Moyes earlier admitted that he may not be active in the January transfer window, as his targets – such as Reus – may not be available.

“There is an urgency that we want to sign players but are the ones we want available in January?’ I have said before that I will try to bring players in this month.”

“But it is doubtful because of the way the window works. There is no point me hyping it up, because the ones we want are probably not going to be available. It is that, rather than us not wanting to do it.”