Manchester United and Liverpool have been dealt a transfer blow in their pursuit of Turkish winger Arda Turan.
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The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the recent past, with both the Reds and Red Devils among the interested parties.
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Indeed, reports in November claimed that both clubs were considering a move to activate a €40million release clause in his contract during this month’s transfer window.
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Such a move is unlikely to persuade the player to want to move away from Atletico Madrid however, with Turan perfectly happy in the Spanish capital.
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“I find myself perfectly in this city. Here I have peace and I can focus on my football. With regard to the club, I feel at home. Atletico make me very happy and I consider myself to be part of this great red and- white family,” he told AS.
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“I have a contract at Atletico until 2017 and I am very happy at this club. The only thing that goes through my mind is to win many titles and cups with Atletico in the future.”
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Having already claimed Europa League and Copa del Rey honours at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, it’s easy to see why the former Galatasaray star would be so satisfied in his current home.
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And, it means the two English clubs could well be wasting their time if they wish to chase the signature in the coming fortnight.
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Manchester United endured a difficult summer transfer window following David Moyes’ appointment, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor only managing to secure Marouane Fellaini’s signature.
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Performances on the pitch have also failed to meet the Red Devils’ high expectation, with the Old Trafford outfit in danger of missing out on Champions League football this season.
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Turan could have offered some additional quality on the Manchester United flanks, but a move is now off the cards.
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Things are slightly different at Liverpool however, with Brendan Rodgers’ side one of the surprise packages in the top flight this season.
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Luis Suarez has been in sparkling form up-front for the Reds, but a lack of depth at Anfield could prove to be an Achilles heel as they challenge for the title.
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Again, Turan would have added something different to the Liverpool side for the second-half of the season, but the Merseyside giants will also need to look elsewhere.
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