Rio Ferdinand has revealed he was phoned by Thiago Alcantara in 2013 in the hope that he could arrange a move to Manchester United for him.
The Spain midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford eight years ago, particularly after a man-of-the-match display against Italy in the final of the U21 Euros.
That speculation then became even more intense when someone - believed to be United and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea - wrote 'See you in Manchester' on Thiago's match ball after he scored a hat-trick in that game in Jerusalem.
Rio Ferdinand (left) has revealed Thiago Alcantara (right) phoned him in 2013 to try and help arrange a transfer from Barcelona to Manchester United
The Spain midfielder had delivered a man-of-the-match display in the final of the U21 Euros
United were looking to add fresh blood to an ageing squad that had just won the league for a record 20th time in Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign in charge of the club.
Ferdinand admitted Thiago had already caught the eye in United's 2-1 pre-season friendly win against Barcelona in Maryland in July 2011, in which the Spain midfielder scored.
Two years later de Gea played the middle man by giving his compatriot Ferdinand's number to speak about a move, but the former England defender claims the United hierarchy consisting of new boss David Moyes and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward decided against signing the Barcelona star.
Ferdinand and United meanwhile had just one a record 20th league title for the Red Devils
'Before Thiago left Barcelona, he called me,' six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand "told his YouTube show Vibe with FIVE.
'We played against Barcelona in the States on tour, and he was unreal. He was playing as the 10, and he scored a worldie.
'So we knew about him anyway, and a few years later, Moyes was manager.
'I don't speak to Thiago, I don't know him, but David De Gea gave him my number,' the 42-year-old continued.
'He rang me, and he said: ''Rio, I would love to come to Man Utd. Is there
