Neymar reveals Manchester United interest

Barcelona forward Neymar claims Manchester United made contact ahead of a possible move to Old Trafford, while Sao Paulo striker Alexandre Pato claims United wanted to sign him as well.

Neymar was sensationally linked with a move to United before the transfer window shut at the start of the month.

United manager Louis van Gaal was tight-lipped on the proposed transfer before opting to sign France teenager Anthony Martial, while Barca counterpart Luis Enrique refused to be drawn on reports at the time.

Now 23-year-old Brazil international Neymar has lifted the lid on the situation, telling ESPN Brasil: “We had conversations [with United], but there was nothing concrete.

I heard that there were offers, but none made it to me.

Neymar, who helped Barca to the treble last term, has scored three goals in five matches this season.

READ: Pato reveals Man Utd offer hours before deadline

Meanwhile, Sao Paulo striker Alexandre Pato also claims United made a last-ditch attempt to lure him to the Premier League two hours before the transfer window shut.

Pato – on loan at Sao Paulo from Brazilian rival Corinthians – was linked with a return to Europe during the window and the former AC Milan forward has revealed United wanted to secure his services.

Speaking to SportTV on Thursday, 26-year-old Pato said: “I won’t lie, two hours before closing [the transfer window] I had a very nice offer from Manchester United.

I was expecting it, but I only knew after when they commented. But my focus now is here.

I am working to do my best and possibly stay at Sao Paulo.

Pato added: “I won’t lie to you that I think yes [about the future]. I see with my family, with the people closest to me, we talk about what will happen, how it will happen, what will be next year.

It’s only a few months, we don’t count December, so it’s not a long time.

“I would really like to stay, but that doesn’t depend only on me. I have to do my work, my agent and my family take good care of these things, they want the best for me and the club, and I’m very professional, I always work focused, trying my best not to think.