Southampton boss Ronald Koeman admits he attempted to beat Manchester United to the signing of Memphis Depay.

Depay left PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season.

Koeman explained: “My brother Erwin has the same agent, we tried to bring him to Southampton but he wanted to stay for one more year at PSV.

“When United went in for him this summer, we knew at Saints that we had no chance. When they come, we have no chance.''

And despite the fears over how Depay will settle in England, Koeman reckons he may have the perfect boss to guide him.

He said: “I think, with Louis van Gaal, he gets a coach who he knows . It makes it easier to settle.''