Premier League giants Liverpool could have stolen a march on Manchester United in the transfer market.

The Reds were hours away from signing Sofyan Amrabat this summer from Fiorentina.

The Moroccan midfielder, who eventually ended up at United on loan on deadline day, could have been playing in Merseyside instead.

Per The Mail, Amrabat did hold talks with Liverpool, but was always more eager to join United.

The veteran's reluctance to agree terms led to Liverpool moving for Ryan Gravenberch instead.

United were then able to secure a deal for Amrabat, which had to be a loan due to their financial issues.