Manchester United’s move for Roberto Firmino is now off after the Brazilian confirmed his happiness to remain with German club Hoffenheim.
United have been strongly linked with Firmino in recent weeks, with Red Devil scouts frequently being seen at Hoffenheim games.
And a shock deal was reported in March, with the Daily Star reporting that United had completed a deal and agreed terms to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford at the end of the season.
It had been suggested that an £18.6m fee had been agreed and the transition is looking likely to go through in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international has silenced such talk by claiming he is happy at the Bundesliga club.
“I have a contract with Hoffenheim until 2017 and I’m happy here,” he told reporters. “I have developed a lot at this club and right now all I’m thinking about is playing for Hoffenheim.”
The midfielder had also attracted the attention of Arsenal and Liverpool but United have jumped ahead of Premier League rivals to secure his services.