Winter move ‘out of question’ for Jose target Jerome

JEROME Boateng has ruled out the possibility of him leaving Bayern Munich this month.

United identified the German defender as a back-up option to their primary centre-back targets last summer, as Jose Mourinho aimed to strengthen his defence ahead of the 2018-19 season.

However, Boateng ended up staying at Bayern. He also revealed he personally phoned United’s now-axed boss Mourinho to explain his decision to remain in Bavaria.

“I had enquiries from PSG and Manchester United,” Boateng said last September.

”I did not want just to get away from Bayern but I was thrilled to try a new challenge.

“I feel well at Bayern, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. “I called Jose Mourinho. “I told him that his interest was an honour for me and thanked him for trying so hard for me.

“I explained to Jose that it’s difficult to leave Bayern and, if I do, everything has to be in place to top this club.”

United’s backline remains in need of strengthening and United’s top target is Kalidou Koulibaly but Boateng, although he is no longer being touted for an Old Trafford move, has reiterated his desire to stay at Bayern Munich.

“A change this winter is out of the question for me,” Boateng said at Bayern’s training camp in Doha.

“It was a difficult year for me.

“I fell short of my expectations and I’m not happy with that.”