Lazio president Claudio Lotito admits he offered Manchester United midfielder Fred to coach Maurizio Sarri.
However, the Lazio coach has rejected the Brazil international.
Lotito told Il Messaggero: "I was prepared to start negotiations with Manchester United and bid for Fred, but Maurizio Sarri told me he didn't want the player.
"He did the same thing with (Giovani) Lo Celso. Sarri wants (Piotr) Zielinski and Ricci."
Fred is now in talks with Galatasaray.