Manchester United spent the summer strengthening their midfield with the additions of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.

Yet it appears that Michael Carrick and the club are still aiming to add another signing in this department as they chase the AC Milan star Youssouf Fofana, who is on loan at Sevilla this season.

Now the French international has delivered a massive blow to the Red Devils with his response to hearing that the Premier League club was interested in his signature.

Manchester United’s top target rejects chance to make January transfer

Carrick’s side have made a poor start to their campaign, as they have only secured two wins across eight matches in all competitions. This includes matches against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah in the Champions League.

Lisandro Martinez spoke out against the club hierarchy’s failure regarding recruitment this summer and bringing quality additions to Old Trafford to build on their good season under Carrick.

Fans will have been encouraged by being linked to Fofana, who is impressing in La Liga this season with Sevilla.

The French international has featured in five matches this campaign, scoring once, and playing an important role in the club being sat fifth in La Liga at the time of writing.

Yet, according to a report in VamosMiSevilla, Fofana is not interested in a move to Man Utd in the January transfer window, even if the English club were to make a direct offer to AC Milan for the midfielder this winter.

Now, for any move to happen, if Fofana were to change his mind, it would require Sevilla to agree to cancel the loan, and it is believed this would not be welcomed by the Spanish team.

It has been reported that the 27-year-old ‘has no intention of packing his bags mid-season and has already expressed his desire to honour his commitment in Seville.’

Manchester United linked to defensive reinforcements in January

Pundits and fans alike have commented on the need for United to make fresh additions to their defence.

One area that has been spoken about in desperate need of recruits is left-back, as Luke Shaw has had his share of injuries over the past several seasons.

Now it is being reported by Sport Witness that United may be making a move for Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo.

The Red Devils had been linked to Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall in the summer, but it looks like they have switched their attention to the Sporting player.

It is believed that he would cost the club around £55 million to lure him away from the Portuguese fullback.

The 26-year-old is also of interest to United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal as they aim to add more quality to their squad as they chase a Champions League.