Club Brugge set to reject record bid for Seys, ending Man United's left-back pursuit

Manchester United’s pursuit of Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys is effectively over, with the Belgian club declaring a deal “out of the question” this summer and prepared to turn down any bid, regardless of size.

The 21-year-old has started all three of Brugge’s matches so far this season, following a campaign in which he made 55 appearances, scored five goals and contributed eight assists. With Seys firmly embedded in the first team, the Jupiler Pro League side have made clear they intend to keep him — even if an offer matching the £34m Arsenal paid for Christos Tzolis lands on their desk.

United have not yet submitted a formal bid, but reports from Belgium suggest that even a fee at that level would not be sufficient to change Brugge’s position. Seys, who has three years remaining on his contract, has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Benfica and Porto.

Brugge manager Ivan Leko had previously acknowledged the difficulty of turning down large offers, but his comments now read as a farewell of sorts to any potential suitors. “If there’s a lot of money on the table, it’s obviously not easy to say no,” Leko said. “The right time to leave will come. Tzolis has proved that. Let’s hope they’re all still here in September.”

The collapse of the Seys pursuit is the second time this summer United have been rebuffed on a left-back target, after Newcastle turned down their approach for Lewis Hall.

The need at left-back remains pressing for manager Michael Carrick. Luke Shaw is entering the final year of his contract, while Patrick Dorgu has been moved further forward, leaving the position thinly covered.

United are now monitoring Racing Santander teenager Jorge Salinas as an alternative. The 19-year-old holds a release clause in his contract, which could make a deal considerably more straightforward than the Seys situation proved to be.