Getafe coach Jose Bordalas admits it was a friend's tip-off which saw them land Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood has been superb on-loan for Getafe this season.

Bordalas told Marca: "To be able to sign a player of this level at Getafe is complicated, almost impossible. And well, given the situation, we bet on him. We are happy and satisfied because we have a great player. He is a good lad and has fit in very well and he only needs to learn a little more Spanish.

"A friend called me to tell me about the possibility and at first we thought it wasn't real, but he confirmed that it was. There were conversations, he had other offers to play in Serie A, but there were many clubs that did not dare because of what had happened and so on. In the end with a lot of effort and with difficulty we all managed to get him to come to Getafe."

Comparing the impact of Greenwood and fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham, of Real Madrid, Bordalas added: "Especially Bellingham, who has attracted tremendous attention. He is a great player and is having a fabulous season. We have to be a little more understanding with Mason because it is not easy given the time he has gone without training.

"I know of cases of guys I've had who quit soccer because they had emotional problems and they never played again because you get disconnected, you lose your place and then it costs you a lot. It is very commendable that after such a long time he has recovered and is helping us."