Manchester United explored a swap deal for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes earlier this year.

A swap deal was potentially in the offing that would have seen Andreas Pereira stay in Brazil permanently and Gomes move to Old Trafford.

Tim Vickery, South American football expert, told talkSPORT: "It looked like they [United] might have been interested in him [Joao Gomes] when Andreas Pereira was on loan from United at Flamengo.

"There was speculation that in exchange for that deal they might take Joao Gomes, but they didn't. In the end Pereira ended up going to Fulham."

Despite United clearly holding interest in the youngster, Gomes recently used his Instagram account to profess his desire to play for one of their biggest rivals. He posted: "Liverpool are a team I'd play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream in football."