Galatasaray's vice-president has claimed they were close to signing Sofyan Amrabat this summer.

The Moroccan midfielder was adamant about leaving Fiorentina before the transfer window ended.

While he always had eyes on Manchester United, who he joined on deadline day, Gala claim they could have nabbed the anchorman instead.

The club's vice president Erden Timur said, per the Manchester Evening News: "We largely agreed with Sofyan Amrabat.

“With Fiorentina, we were at a level where we could reach a point [of approval].

"Manchester United came on Wednesday evening and as the player has said before, his former manager was also there.

“He rejected the big teams and waited for us, but it didn't happen."