Manchester United have been hit with yet another setback in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements, as one of their reported targets has effectively ruled out a summer switch.
Over the past few months, the Red Devils have been heavily linked with a swoop for Juventus stalwart Gleison Bremer, who has established a reputation as one of the best players in his position in Italy.
The Brazil international joined the Old Lady from Torino in the summer of 2022, and having quickly become a mainstay of the backline, he has recorded eight goals and one assist in 83 games for the Bianconeri.
Bremer - who stands at 6ft 2in tall - ended the 2023-24 campaign with three goals to his name from 40 matches, and he was unsurprisingly called up to the Brazil squad for the 2024 Copa America.
The 27-year-old has been an unused substitute throughout the Selecao's continental campaign so far, but in spite of his standing in the Brazil ranks, he remains a highly sought-after figure.
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Bremer makes "next season" claim amid Man Utd links
Juventus tied Bremer down to a new contract back in December, and his terms do not expire until the summer of 2028, but there is reportedly a release clause worth €60m (£50.8m) included in the deal.
It has been reported that Man United are considering triggering Bremer's exit option, and should they do so, Juventus would be powerless to prevent the South American from moving to Old Trafford.
However, speaking to Spanish publication AS - as quoted by Fabrizio Romano - Bremer has insisted that he already represents a "top club" and looks forward to seeing what the Bianconeri can achieve in 2024-25.
"I'm already at a top club, I'm already at Juventus. We'll make great things next season, Thiago Motta is an excellent manager and a very good choice," the centre-back said.
As a result, Man United will likely have to give up their pursuit of Bremer for the time being, and the Red Devils are still waiting to make their first addition of the summer window.
How is Man United's centre-back search going?
⚪️⚫️🇧🇷 Gleison Bremer on his future: "I'm already at a top club, I'm already at Juventus".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2024
"We'll make great things next season, Thiago Motta is an excellent manager and a very good choice", told AS. pic.twitter.com/ll33Wzncr8
Since the 2023-24 campaign drew to a close, Man United have waved goodbye to serial winner Raphael Varane following the conclusion of his contract, while it is unclear whether Jonny Evans will extend his terms too.
The veteran could be persuaded to stay on for one more year, but at least one and possibly even two new defensive faces should be pursued, especially as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof's long-term futures are still up in the air.
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is thought to have been at the top of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's list, but the Toffees' £80m asking price is currently making a deal impractical, and Man United have already seen one bid of £35m plus add-ons turned down.
The Red Devils also cannot make a move for Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, having reached an agreement with UEFA not to sign players from Ratcliffe's other INEOS-owned team in exchange for their participation in European competition.
However, progress is said to have been made in efforts to sign Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, whom Erik ten Hag nurtured during their time together at Ajax.
Ben Knapton
