Rio Ferdinand has revealed he was phoned by Thiago Alcantara in 2013 in the hope that he could arrange him a move to Manchester United.
The Spain midfielder instead joined Bayern Munich, where he spent seven seasons before joining United's arch rivals Liverpool.
"Before Thiago left Barcelona, he called me,' six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand told his YouTube show Vibe with FIVE.
"We played against Barcelona in the States on tour, and he was unreal. He was playing as the 10, and he scored a worldie.
"So we knew about him anyway, and a few years later, Moyes was manager.
"I don't speak to Thiago, I don't know him, but David de Gea gave him my number.
"He rang me, and he said: ''Rio, I would love to come to Man Utd. Is there anybody I can speak to or that you can speak to for me just to see the interest?"
