Manchester United boss David Moyes has confirmed they made an attempt for AS Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi in the summer.
De Rossi, 30, has admitted in Italy he would have felt like "committing suicide" if he had joined United, because they are seventh in the Premier League, while his beloved Roma are second in Serie A.
Moyes said: "We certainly did think in the summer about bringing him here.
"I don't think it went as far as a bid, because I think there was something to do with a deadline on his contract.
"But yes, he was a player we thought was a good player."
