RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has put an end to talks he will leave Germany this summer amid links to Manchester United.
The France international reportedly had a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the Bundesliga side next year, suggesting he could complete a potential move this summer. Erik ten Hag's side were among the clubs interested in the former Paris Saint-Germain forward, with Real Madrid also linked.
However, Nkunku last month put pen to paper on a lengthy contract extension that will keep him at the Bundesliga club until 2026 after a 2021/22 campaign that saw the 24-year-old score 35 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions, helping Leipzig reach the semi-finals of the Europa League and finish fourth in the Bundesliga, as well as winning the DFB Pokal.
Reports from LVZ (published by AS) claimed that speculation surrounding the mysterious clause in the contract was untrue, with the France international now tied down at Leipzig for the next four seasons.
"I did not renew to leave the club next year," said Nkunku, as reported by AS, with it being likely that the forward's future remains focussed on succeeding with Leipzig.
Nkunku has spent the past three years in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, joining them from PSG in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth around €13 million (£11.1m) plus add-ons. In that time, Nkunku has scored 47 goals in 136 appearances.
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United were among clubs linked with Nkunku. However, it may seem unlikely that they splash the cash on a new forward this summer, with reports suggesting that United boss Ten Hag has been told to get the best out of Anthony Martial instead of signing a replacement.
After a campaign that saw Martial get sent out on loan to Sevilla, where he failed to net a single goal in La Liga, he has responded so far in emphatic fashion, scoring in both of United's pre-season friendly wins over Liverpool and Melbourne Victory this week.
So far, United have completed two signings in this summer's window. They first signed Netherlands international left-back Tyrell Malacia in a move worth up to £15m earlier this month.
On Friday, the Red Devils doubled their number of acquisitions after signing former Tottenham and Inter Milan midfielder Christian Eriksen on a free transfer after his summer exit from Brentford.
United also remain in the hunt to sign midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, as well as Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
