Manchester United and Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their chase for Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.

The Premier League duo have been regularly linked with a move for the German international, in January or in the summer.

However, Real Madrid are apparently on the cusp of finalising a deal for the forward, according to the Daily Star, which will come as a hammer blow to both of the English sides.

The Spanish giants have been consistently described as having an interest in the dynamic wide player in recent months.

It now seems as though they might have got his man.

Reus is in a unique position going into next summer.

He is one of the most highly rated players in Europe today, and would be valued highly in the transfer market.

However, a clause in his contract means that he can leave Dortmund next summer for only £19.7 million.

This means that Reus would be able to move for far less than his true value.

It also means Dortmund might have to agree a deal in January, to get at least some of his genuine value out of him.