Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez personally blocked Real Madrid's move for Reds full back Alberto Moreno, ending the Spanish defender's hopes of returning to La Liga.
AS (h/t Ben Green of 90min.com) say the new Los Blancos coach decided to keep his faith with Alvaro Arbeloa as cover—as the transfer window closed—opting against signing the 23-year-old international.
The prodigious talent arrived at Anfield 12 months ago, rated as one of the best young left-backs in European football.
Moreno's form has been mixed, with the defender admitting to Marca (h/t Jack Wilson of the Daily Star) he has been caught out by the physical demands of the English game: "Maybe the defensive aspect [is the toughest part of the Premier League].