Manchester United will refuse to use Adnan Januzaj as part of a deal for Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus, reports the Daily Mirror [via Daily Express].
The 20-year-old was sent on loan to the Bundesliga side on transfer deadline day, and rumours have been spreading that the youngster is set to be part of a deal for his new teammate. The Red Devils are keen to keep hold of a player with undoubted potential.
“There were a number of clubs interested in buying Januzaj, but all those offers were rejected out of hand,” a United source told the Daily Mirror, “We had no interest in selling a player who will be a big part of United’s future.
“The manager has assured him of that. The move to Dortmund will help his development and he will return to the club a better player because if the minutes he will get on the pitch. [Tyler] Blackett was given the same guarantees [before his move to Celtic]. He is seen as a Manchester United player.
“If there was no future for either player, they would have been sold rather than sent out on loan.”
The Belgium international failed to score or assist a single goal in 18 Premier League appearances last time round, with his development appearing to stall under new manager Louis van Gaal. These stats pale in comparison to Reus, who even in an injury-hit campaign managed seven goals and five assists in 20 Bundesliga matches.
SEE MORE
Manchester United transfer news
Manchester United could sign £15m Premier League defender to replace injured Luke Shaw
Juan Mata names Manchester United dream XI, with controversial snub for Wayne Rooney
This season the Germany international has already hit the back of the net twice and assisted one other in three league games. The fact that United aren’t keen to let one of their prize assets in order to sign the forward will be a major boost to Liverpool, who have also been linked with a £48 million move for the player.