Alexis Sanchez was offered to Real Madrid before making the move to Manchester United, it has been revealed.

Alexis joined United in a straight swap from Arsenal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January.

However, El Mundo Deportivo says the deal wasn't struck before the Chile international was offered to Real.

Real president Florentino Perez was willing to sign Alexis, who is available for the Champions League, but left the final decision to coach Zinedine Zidane.

And like Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Zidane rejected the chance to sign Alexis, insisting he didn't need to unsettle his attacking players midway through the season.