Manchester United have been dealt a massive transfer blow as Theo Hernandez’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, rules out a summer exit from AC Milan.
The Red Devils have identified the France international as their dream target to reinforce the left-back slot, which has been decimated by injuries over the past couple of years.
Hernandez has less than two years left on his current contract with Milan, but the club has yet to initiate renewal talks with their captain, prompting interest from United.
The Red Devils were plotting an audacious move for the Frenchman, but the player’s agent has shut the door on a summer exit.
He insists Hernandez wants to remain in Milan and is open to signing a new deal, even though there’s no offer on the table yet.
“Yesterday’s bench? It’s a choice that doesn’t belong to him,” Quilon said (via Foot Mercato). “You have to respect your teammates and the coach’s choices.
“[Rafael] Leao was also on the bench this season. I came here to talk about certain fiscal aspects of Theo’s contract.
“Renewal? We didn’t talk about this subject today. We said it, and we repeat it again – Theo wants to stay in Milan, he wants to renew with Milan.”
United will struggle to sign Hernandez without UCL football
Hernandez and new Milan manager Paulo Fonseca haven’t seen eye-to-eye on the manager’s tactics, which resulted in the left-back getting axed from the first team earlier in the season.
They seemed to have sorted out their issues in recent weeks, but Hernandez was dropped to the bench for Sunday’s disappointing goalless draw against Genoa at San Siro Stadium.
The ongoing tug-of-war between both parties opens the door for United to pounce, but the Red Devils could be handicapped by their current form.
United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table and are on course to miss out on a top-four finish for the second year running.
Without the promise of Champions League football, it will be difficult for United to convince the UEFA Nations League winner to move to Old Trafford this summer despite the undeniable allure of the Premier League.
Stats from Sofascore.com