Yerry Mina chose to sign for Everton after being charmed by manager Marco Silva.
The Sun says Mina was wanted by Everton and Manchester United as he prepared to leave Barcelona.
Mina has told pals that the real clincher was a personal chat with Silva who rang him to tell him why he should join Everton.
Jose Mourinho did not contact the defender as scheduled while United fretted about finding a centre half - and he blamed his bosses for failing to land their targets.
Mina was puzzled by the lack of contact from United or their boss. He came back to Barcelona from a holiday expecting to head to Old Trafford after they met his agent.
The Colombian is yet to be involved in a matchday squad for Everton since his £28.5million move to Goodison Park due to a foot injury.