United Setback in Marco Reus' Pursuit

Manchester United and Barcelona have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of attacking midfielder Marco Reus after Borussia Dortmund ruled out the possibility of the star leaving the club during the summer transfer window.

According to Marca, Dortmund director of communications Sascha Fligge has denied rumours of Reus' departure from the Signal Iduna Park next season, saying: "It is certain that Marco Reus won't be moving on this summer."

In addition, the German club general manager Michael Zork has been equally clear by saying: "First and foremost, Marco himself said that he definitely wanted to play for Dortmund next season. And, secondly, there would be no point in making an offer because we do not want him to leave."

Catalan newspaper Sport claimed this week that Barcelona had already reached a €35m (£28m) agreement with Reus – but they still had to negotiate with Dortmund.

The 25-year-old who has been a key player in the success enjoyed by Jurgen Klopp's team, scoring 16 goals and managing 14 assists in 30 league appearances last season - has also found himself linked with a move to Old Trafford, with recent reports suggesting newly installed United coach Louis van Gaal has made Reus a priority target.

United were reportedly considering a player-plus-cash deal in signing Dortmund pair Marco Reus and Mats Hummels in the summer – Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller are also on the Dutchman's wish-list, Daily Mail reported.

However, Reus - who will miss the World Cup due to an ankle injury suffered in Germany's 5-1 win against Armenia - is likely to stay at Dortmund as he was quoted by SkySports: "It's safe to say I will be playing for Borussia Dortmund also in the 2014/2015 season.

"Basically I do not need to stress all the time that I am feeling great being with the club."