Real Madrid chiefs have overruled coach Carlo Ancelotti in his hopes of re-signing Raphael Varane.
With his centre-half options collapsing due to injury, Ancelotti has expressed interest privately about bringing Varane back from Manchester United in January.
Off contract in June, Varane is said to be keen on a reunion.
But Marca says while Ancelotti is keen, Real management have rejected the prospect.
Instead, Real Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat is looking at possible options, but no suggestion has satisfied president Florentino Perez thus far.