Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has played down speculation that his side could look to bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan back to the club in January.
Mkhitaryan has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United in recent weeks following reports of a bust-up with manager Jose Mourinho, who accused the playmaker of "disappearing" from games.
The Armenia international has not started a game since early November, and reports had suggested that Dortmund were hoping to capitalise on his unhappiness at Old Trafford with a January bid.
However, Watzke has now suggested that the Bundesliga outfit would not be able to afford Mkhitaryan, with United thought to be holding out for a bid of at least £35m.
"I know the economic details of his transfer to Man United like nobody else," Watzke told Bild when asked about the rumours.
"That's why [his return] is only conceivable with a great deal of imagination."
Mkhitaryan spent three years with Dortmund, scoring 41 goals in 140 games during that time.
Barney Corkhill
