United linked to Solari deal

Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari claims he almost signed for Manchester United over the summer.

The Argentinian was considering a move to Old Trafford, where he would have been re-united with former Bernabeu boss Carlos Queiroz, until new Madrid coach Jose Antonio Camacho assured him of his value to the Spaniards.

The tell-tale sign that Solari would have a role to play for Madrid came when Camacho used him as a substitute in the Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow on August 25.

“It is true that Manchester United were interested in me and there was a chance I would leave,” Solari told Spanish newspaper Marca.

“However, by playing me for 10 minutes against Wisla, Camacho and the club showed that I am still important to Real Madrid.”

His appearance against the Poles meant that Solari would be cup-tied for the rest of the season, and with the transfer window having since slammed shut he is fully committed to Madrid for now.

That allegiance could be tested over the coming months, however, with Solari’s contract due to expire next summer.

He is waiting for a new contract offer, and added: “We have to take things slowly and everything will happen at the right time.”