Manchester United target Jerome Boateng has reportedly phoned Jose Mourinho to tell him he will not be leaving Bayern Munich for Old Trafford.
Manchester United want a new centre-back before Thursday’s transfer deadline with pursuits of Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld failing to pay off.
The Red Devils’ search for a new defender has led them to chase Boateng who, after seven successful years at the Allianz Arena, may leave Bayern Munich behind.
Manchester United have been quoted a huge £50million price tag for the 29-year-old, whose form has nosedived over the last 12 months.
And Bild journalist Christian Falk claims Boateng has called Mourinho to inform him he will not be leaving Bayern for United.
Falk tweeted: “@JB17Official Jerome Boateng called José Mourinho to tell him personally that he is grateful for the interest.
“But he won’t come to Manchester. No Transfer to @ManUtd @SPORTBILD @BILD_Sport.”
Boateng’s decision now leaves United in a major mess with the transfer deadline creeping closer.
Boateng started his career at Hertha BSC where he developed from the youth ranks to the main team. After his first season at Hertha, he soon signed for Hamburger SV and established himself as an integral part of the team, helping Hamburg reach the two consecutive UEFA Europa League semi-finals. After an unsuccessful season in England with Manchester City, he joined Bayern Munich in 2011 and has since won domestic and European honours with the club, notably the continental treble in the 2012–13 season.
Boateng played in the Germany under-21 side, which won the 2009 Euro U-21 Championship and was soon promoted to the national side. Boateng has since accumulated over 60 caps and represented Germany at UEFA Euro 2012, Euro 2016, 2010 World Cup, and 2014 World Cup, the latter of which he was a key member of his country’s victory. He is the younger half-brother of fellow footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng.
On 5 June 2010, English Premier League club Manchester City confirmed the transfer of Boateng to the English club for £10.4 million on a five-year deal, where he wore his favoured number 17 shirt. He made his City debut in a pre-season friendly against Valencia for the first half, alternating between centre back and right back with Micah Richards. After an impressive run, down the right flank, he provided the assisting cross for Gareth Barry to score.
During the week prior to the start of the 2010–11 Premier League season, Boateng suffered an injury setback on international duty with Germany during a friendly against Denmark. He tore a tendon in his left knee, which was then aggravated on the plane home after a collision with a drinks trolley.
He made his debut for Manchester City with a substitute appearance during a 1–0 victory against Chelsea on 25 September 2010. He followed this with a first competitive start in a 1–1 Europa League draw with Juventus, playing at right back. In his one season with City, Boateng won the 2010–11 FA Cup despite not being a member of the matchday squad for the final. He made 24 appearances for Manchester City.
n June 2011, Boateng expressed his desire to leave Manchester City for Bayern Munich, stating that playing for Bayern would help his chances of playing regularly for the Germany national team and that he was frustrated at having to play almost exclusively at right back.
On 14 July 2011, Bayern confirmed the transfer of Boateng to the German club for a fee of €13.5 million on a four-year deal. He was given the same number 17 shirt he wore at Manchester City and for most of his time with Hamburger SV. He made his debut on 27 July 2011 as a second-half substitute for Rafinha during the 2011 Audi Cup in a match against Milan. His Bundesliga debut for Bayern came in a 0–1 home defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach, on 6 August