‘Manchester United Were Keen’ Claims Agent

The agent of Udinese goalkeeper Sami Handanovic claims Manchester United were interested in signing the 27-year-old in the summer.

Manchester United were linked with a host of Europe's top custodians when Edwin Van der Sar's pending retirement became apparent in the latter stages of last season.

Manchester United opted for the youthful David De Gea to replace their long serving number one, but Handanovic's agent suggests they were also considering the Slovenian international. Sir Alex Ferguson had also been linked with Manuel Neuer, Igor Akinfeev and Pepe Reina amongst others during their protracted efforts to sign a suitable replacement for their evergreen Dutchman.

The aforementioned Udinese star is widely considered one of the finest goalkeepers on the continent and in addition to being coveted by Manchester United, Federico Pastorello, Handanovic's agent, suggests Bayern Munich tracked the former Lazio loanee as they sought a new goalkeeper of their own.

"Bayern Munich and Manchester United were keen but they decided otherwise." Pastorello told Rai on Monday.

"Although these doors have now closed, I'm sure Samir will have other opportunities in the future.

"Samir has clear ideas, if he does leave Udinese it will only be for a top club. I think a goalkeeper of his quality is worth around €15 million."

Although Manchester United opted for De Gea in a reported £17 million transfer from Atletico Madrid, the precocious young Spaniard has struggled to adapt to the rigours of English football.

The Under-21 international was omitted from Manchester United's starting XI that won at Aston Villa and it remains to be seen if he will be restored to Sir Alex Ferguson's side for Wednesday night's crucial Champions League tie against Basle.