Brazilian midfielder Everton Ribeiro reveals Manchester United talks after lucrative Al-Ahli deal

Brazilian midfielder Everton Ribeiro has revealed he had 'offers and conversations' from a number of clubs including Manchester United before sealing a move to Al-Ahli.

Ribeiro, an attacking midfielder, has completed his lucrative move to the Arabian Gulf League, dismissing suggestions that his decision could prove costly to his chances of forcing his way into the Brazil side.

The 25-year-old was previously linked with moves to a number of Europe's biggest sides including United, who were credited with keen interest during David Moyes' reign at Old Trafford.

But while Ribeiro, who won Brazil's Serie A player of the year award in both 2013 and 2014, admits there was contact with United during the January transfer window and in the summer, his former club Cruzeiro would not accept their offers which fell below their valuation.

"Yes, there have been offers both in this transfer window and the last one," Ribeiro told Al-Ahli's official website, as translated by The National.

"We had offers and conversations with Manchester United, Monaco and Milan. But none of those offers could meet the expectations of my club Cruzeiro.

"The only offer that everyone was happy with, it was the Ahli offer and that's why I am here. It was the only offer that came close to our expectations."

Al-Ahli have not disclosed the fee behind Ribeiro's move to the United Arab Emirates but reports suggest the deal cost €9m for 60% of the player's rights.

After making his Brazil debut under new manager Dunga in September, Ribeiro is confident his move will not limit his opportunities to add to his international caps and insists he has the backing of his national team boss.

"Football is a very global game these days so I don't expect this [move] to be a problem," he said.

"I spoke to Dunga before making a decision and he said 'no problem'. Like I said, football is a global game and you can see any player from anywhere around the world.

"So I am not worried. My job is to just keep performing at the high level that I was performing in Brazil and keep sending reminders to the coach [of the Brazil national team].

"I am coming here after a good season with my club in Brazil and my focus here will be to keep performing at a very high level, keep giving off my best. I want to be just as good here as I was in Brazil."