The agent of Ismalia Sarr has confirmed Manchester United tried to sign the Watford winger last summer.
Sarr was also close to joining Liverpool, according to his agent Thierno Seydi, but the deal fell through.
United also attempted to sign the 22-year-old, but could not agree a suitable loan deal with Watford.
"During the summer, they wanted to sign him. At the last moment, they offered a loan without the option to buy," Seydi told PanAfricanFootball.
"Watford did not accept this because they wanted the loan to include an agreement to buy him."