Manchester United are in the market for a defender and this has seem them linked with AS Monaco's Benoit Badiashile, but it seems like they might have to look elsewhere following the latest transfer update on the player.

According to Telefoot Chaine, via TEAMtalk, Monaco manager Niko Kovac does not want the transfer to happen as he wants the teenager as part of his plans at the Stade Louis II.

The Croatian said: "Our aim is to take him to the next level. If he plays a lot of matches with us in Ligue 1 he will improve. That is certain. We do not want to sell him, that is very clear, he will stay here this season. I think that this is the best solution for him. He has his club here, his family. He knows the environment."

These comments sounds like the French side are adamant that they will keep the defender at the club beyond the current transfer window and it is understandable that they want to keep him.

He is a young prospect who is clearly highly rated by Monaco. The 19-year-old has already made 47 appearances in all competitions for the senior side, including two in the Champions League, per Transfermarkt. He has even managed to score twice and suuply one assist, and these performances have clearly not gone unnoticed as he has also featured for the French under-19 side no fewer than 15 times.

It was recently reported that United had a bid of around £20m rejected by the Ligue 1 side, so it shows that the Old Trafford hierarchy clearly believe he could add some quality to the Red Devils squad.

However, these latest comments from Kovac will probably mean that United will have to look elsewhere, which they already seem to be doing as they have also been linked with Dayot Upamecano, who has a wealth of Champions League and Bundesliga experience, so he could definitely be seen as a good alternative to Badiashile.

Man United fans, will you be disappointed to miss out on Badiashile? Comment below with your views!