Donny van de Beek has dealt Real Madrid a blow by suggesting he will stay at Ajax this season.
The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to Madrid this summer after delivering some eye-catching displays last season.
Madrid have spent huge sums of money upgrading their squad this summer but have endured a frustrating pursuit in search of midfield reinforcements.
Zinedine Zidane looks set to miss out on top target Paul Pogba and now Van de Beek is unlikely to move to the Bernabeu this summer.
“Nothing is certain yet, but there’s a good chance I’ll continue here,” MARCA quote Van de Beek as saying after Ajax’s Champions League qualifier on Tuesday.
“Whatever happens, Real Madrid and Ajax are both fantastic clubs. I can’t complain.”
Ajax have already lost Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt to Barcelona and Juventus, respectively, this summer but news Van be Beek could stay is a huge boost.
The 22-year-old, who is valued at £49m by the Dutch champions, played a direct hand in 23 goals in 36 league appearances since the beginning of last season.
