MANCHESTER UNITED were very close to signing ex-Newcastle and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon in the January transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eventually settled on a deadline day loan move for Odion Ighalo as cover for the injured Marcus Rashford – who it is now feared could miss this summer’s Euros.
But Rondon, who plays for Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Super League, claims United transfer chiefs spoke to his agent amid their mad scramble for a striker.
Leicester flop Islam Slimani and Bournemouth striker Josh King were also linked with moves.
But 30-year-old Venezuelan Rondon says he was “very close” to joining.
He told AS: “There was something. It was not smoke. They were rumours and very strong.
“In the end it could not be specified and now I have to focus on Dalian.”
And opening up more on what could have been, he told The Athletic: “It was all out of my hands.
“It means a lot to be linked with Manchester United because they have a great history and it must mean they think I did well in the Premier League.
“They started to talk to my agent and I was just waiting by my phone for a decision, maybe for the lawyers, but then I saw Ighalo had signed.
“It didnt get to the stage where an offer was made or anything like that, but I think it was really close.”
Asked if he was angry that he got looked over in favour of Ighalo – who took a 50 per cent pay cut to join – Rondon replied: “No, no, it’s just football.
“It’s decisions again and they obviously decided Ighalo was the best decision for them.
“I’ve played against him and I’m pleased for him.
“All I can do is keep working. I’m concentrating on Dalian, on working and learning and listening to the manager.
“After that we will have to wait and see. You just never know in this game.”
