Manchester United and Arsenal must wait until the end of this season to prise midfielder Miguel Veloso away from Sporting Lisbon.
Both Premiership clubs have been linked with the flashy Portugal U21 star, but it's emerged the £15 million buyout clause in his contract doesn't come into effect until June.
Veloso has been mentioned as a potential heir to Paul Scholes at United, while Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been a long-time suitor of the talented youngster.