Manchester United's chances of landing Reus this month disappear as £30m release clause doesn't start until next season

EPL: Manchester United’s last remaining hope of prising Marco Reus away from Borussia Dortmund in the January window looks to have disappeared.  Manager David Moyes might not have been too perturbed by the Germany forward’s recent assertion that he is happy enough where he is - seeing as he has a near-£30million escape clause that could be triggered by a United bid.

However, it now transpires the clause only kicks in next season, not before.  As Moyes glumly conceded in the aftermath of Sunday’s FA Cup third round defeat against Swansea, it’s not going to be easy landing the players he wants this month.