Manchester United knew Real Madrid were signing Thibaut Courtois before Chelsea, it has been revealed.
Courtois swapped Chelsea for Real Madrid last week for a fee of £35million so he could be with his family who live in the Spanish capital.
In return, the Blues filled the void by breaking the world transfer record for a goalkeeper by clinching a £72million deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao.
Real had been monitoring David de Gea's situation, but their interest appeared to have cooled once they got Courtois through the door at the Bernabeu.
The Manchester Evening News says Real told United about an impending transfer for Courtois when the two sides met at the International Champions Cup in Miami.
With a deal wrapped up Courtois, this strengthens United's hands in being able to secure De Gea's long-term future.