Borussia Dortmund have opted against striking an agreement with Erling Haaland that will allow him to leave the German club this summer.
The Bundesliga side are desperate to keep hold of their prized asset beyond this season despite interest from the likes of Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs.
Dortmund lost Jadon Sancho last summer as he moved to Manchester United for just over £70m.
The winger had a "gentleman's agreement" with the club which made his move to Old Trafford far simpler - but no such deal exists with Haaland.
The Norwegian reportedly has a £65m release clause which comes affect next year.
Spanish outlet AS had claimed that a verbal agreement with Haaland's agent Mino Raiola would see the striker head to Real Madrid, but Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke had shut that down.
He told Sport1: "It’s all b******s.
"Some experts say, ‘They’re in the stock market, they’re going to have to sell Haaland next summer.’
"The decision as to whether or not to sell someone at our club is taken exclusively by the board.
"It has not yet been decided if he will leave next summer. We’ll see."
Haaland has continued his impressive form this season and remains arguably the hottest property in football.
He's already scored 11 times in eight outings this term, taking his Dortmund total to more than a goal per game.
Watzke has acknowledged that keeping hold of the 21-year-old will be a challenge.
He told Welt am Sonntag recently: “Of course it will be difficult. I am not saying, however, that it is completely out of the question.
“We'll do everything we can to keep our top players loyal to us in the future.”
Madrid have a long standing interest in Haaland but could also move for Kylian Mbappe next summer.
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Los Blancos made attempts to sign the Frenchman on deadline day but saw several bids knocked back by PSG.
Mbappe is into the final 12 months of his deal so will be available on a free next summer making a double swoop for him and Haaland much more financially viable.
Manchester City may also be major players in the transfer race however as they remain in the market for a striker.
Harry Kane was their prime target this year but Tottenham refused to sell and the striker is heading towards his 30s which makes Haaland a far more attractive proposition for the Premier League champions.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer worked with Haaland at Molde as a youngster and is a known admirer.
