Lazio president Claudio Lotito says he pushed to the end to try to sign Mason Greenwood.
The Manchester United striker joined Getafe on-loan for the season on deadline day Friday.
Lazio were also keen and Lotito rubbished claims in the English media that a backlash from fans and even coach Maurizio Sarri had seen the Romans pull out.
"I tried to get in at the last minute, but Manchester United didn't agree in time. Greenwood wanted to join Lazio," said Lotito to La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Greenwood makes the move to Getafe after it was mutually agreed he should leave United after seeing assault charges dropped in February.
