Report: Bayern's Boateng turns down Manchester United

It appears that Manchester United's central defensive conundrum will not be solved by Bayern Munich.

Just two days after a report suggested Bayern defender Jerome Boateng had emerged as a leading target for the Red Devils, it seems that door never truly opened.

Boateng personally phoned United boss Jose Mourinho to thank him for the interest in signing him, but informed the Portuguese boss he will not be making a move to Old Trafford, reports BILD's Christian Falk. Falk's report claims discussions with new Bayern coach Niko Kovac played a role in Boateng's decision.

The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano had asserted earlier on Tuesday that United were not willing to shell out the €60 million (£53.7 million) Bayern are looking to receive for the Germany international.

Mourinho's other defensive targets reportedly include Leicester City and England star Harry Maguire and Barcelona's Colombian revelation Yerry Mina.

The Premier League transfer window shuts on Thursday.