Arturo Vidal-Alexis Sanchez
Arturo Vidal Getty Images

Manchester United's hopes of signing long-term midfield target Arturo Vidal in January have been dashed by Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri.

The Chilean international was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford as United were looking to strengthen their central midfield position. However, the deal did not take shape and the midfielder is still the transfer target for Louis van Gaal's side.

The 20-time English champions are reportedly set to make another approach for Vidal when the transfer window opens next year. However, Allegri suggests the Italian champions are in no mood to let their star player leave in the mid-season transfer window.

"The club has been very clear on Vidal. This season Vidal is a Juventus player and I think there's no possibility that in January he'll go to Manchester," Allegri told BBC World Focus.

The 47-year-old Italian manager joined Juventus after Antonio Conte decided to end his time with the Old Lady. Before joining the Turin club, Allegri was sacked from AC Milan earlier this year.

For a brief spell, Allegri was without a club and was linked with the Premier League job. The former Milan boss closely watched a few top flight English teams and has expressed his desire to coach a team in England in the future.

"I was in London for two months when I was dismissed by AC Milan. I saw some games to try and better understand English football," the Juventus manager said.

"It's different from the Italian football, it's more fascinating. What particularly struck me was how good their infrastructures are and the huge enthusiasm that the crowd has. I hope, in the future, to have the opportunity to coach in England," Allegri concluded.

The Express reports the Italian was linked to replace Tim Sherwood at Tottenham Hotspur. However, the north London club appointed former Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane.