Manchester United and Real Madrid will apparently be forced to concede defeat in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, who is reportedly close to penning a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
The 24-year-old's renewal saga has dragged on for months, and he is now free to hold talks with foreign clubs after entering the last six months of his agreement with the Bundesliga leaders.
The strongest interest in Davies's services is believed to have come from Old Trafford and the Bernabeu, as both Man United and Real Madrid could overhaul their left-back department next year.
The Red Devils' long-serving option Luke Shaw cannot be relied upon to stay fit, while the seldom-seen Tyrell Malacia is thought to be on the wishlist of Italian upstarts Como.
Likewise, Ferland Mendy's career at the Bernabeu has been hampered by a string of fitness issues, and Carlo Ancelotti had seemingly earmarked Davies as the man to inherit the left-back throne.
Davies, Bayern looking to close 'small gap' in contract expectations
© Imago
However, both sides are now set to be left disappointed, as The Athletic reports that Davies and Bayern are finally close to coming to an agreement over a contract renewal.
The two parties had been in talks for around half a year without any sign of a breakthrough, as the Bavarians' offers of an extension supposedly did not satisfy the demands of the left-back and his camp.
There is now only said to be 'a small gap' in Bayern's offer and what Davies feels he is entitled to, though, and there is optimism that he will soon put pen to paper on a four-year agreement until 2029.
Bayern paid just £11.8m to sign the Canada international from Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019, since when he has registered 12 goals and 34 assists in 218 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.
Davies has not had a particularly productive campaign going by his regular high standards, though, providing one goal and three assists in 23 matches across all tournaments.
What other left-backs can Man United target?
© Imago
Not too long ago, it seemed inevitable that Davies would be bidding farewell to German football, as an agreement over a new contract with Bayern was ostensibly miles away.
However, with that long-running saga now about to reach a solution, Man United may very well intensify their efforts to sign Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, another extremely highly-rated young player in his position.
Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes - who worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon - is said to be a target for the Portuguese too, but his hefty price tag could scupper a Red Devils reunion.
A cheaper alternative has apparently emerged in the shape of Lecce talent Patrick Dorgu, although it is understood that Liverpool - who are on the hunt for an Andy Robertson successor - could soon try their luck with a £33.6m offer.
Ben Knapton
