AC Milan were left frustrated in their pursuit of Aston Villa defender Clement Lenglet.
Lenglet, on-loan at Villa from Barcelona, was a January target for the Rossonero.
But Sky Italia's Gianluca di Marzio revealed: He was always among the primary options; he had even spoken with (coach Stefano) Pioli and (sporting director Geoffrey) Moncada and was open to joining the Rossoneri.
When Milan had the chance to sign him, he started playing consistently for Aston Villa, so he was not allowed to leave."
Lenglet's loan runs to the end of the season.