Liverpool and Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Marco Reus, after L’Equipe reported that the midfielder would stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least one more season. The German was on the both the English clubs’ radar and would have been a huge coup had either of them managed to lure him.

The 25 year-old’s contract with Dortmund expires at the end of the 2017, but his release clause falls to £27m (€35m) at the end of the upcoming season. He recently refused to sign an extension with the club, fuelling rumours that Dortmund would sell him this summer for a high price. But manager Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that Reus is not for sale. He has also stated that Mats Hummels is not for sale, but Dortmund will find it much more difficult to convince him to stay. Several top clubs around Europe are willing to spend big to buy the defender, and it recently emerged that United are close to finalising a deal.

Liverpool have been one of the most active teams this summer, spending around £80 million to bolster their squad. Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic, Emre Can, Dejan Lovren and Divock Origi have arrived, but many feel that there is still room for improvement. Last season’s superstar Luis Suarez has been sold to Barcelona, and Liverpool haven’t really replaced him yet. Reus may not play in the same position as Suarez, but would have been a marquee signing for the Reds. 

United have also spent big this summer, bringing in Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw to Old Trafford. Their midfield, still looks threadbare, and there are sure to be some big names coming in before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August. They may have missed out on Reus, but Arturo Vidal and Angel Di Maria still remain distinct possibilities.

United and Liverpool have been impressive in pre-season and play each other in the final of the International Champions Cup today. With the history between the two clubs, this one promises to be far from just a friendly. It is therefore, a good chance to judge how far the two clubs have come from last year.