Manchester United Left It Too Late To Land Roma's Daniele De Rossi

Roma coach Rudi Garcia claims in L'Equipe that Manchester United expressed an interest in Daniele De Rossi over the summer, but left it too late to enter into negotiations.

The Red Devils were linked with several high-profile midfielders over the summer, but ended up completing just one piece of business on transfer deadline day for Everton's Marouane Fellaini.

De Rossi was among those reportedly targeted by United boss David Moyes once his options started to dwindle, with the Italy international having been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time.

Roma were aware of the speculation surrounding their combative World Cup winner and were prepared to talk if a suitable offer was made, but saw a cut-off point set by the club pass before United made their approach.

Garcia told L'Equipe: "In the summer we talked about his future. He is from Rome, but there were some big clubs looking at him.

"I told him that I could not lose him last minute, so we set a date after which no-one would leave. That is exactly what happened.

"A few days after the first Serie A match of the season, Manchester United called the club and called him, but the date had passed and he didn't move."