Manchester United's newest arrival Donny van de Beek has opened up on how his move to Old Trafford came about.
The Netherlands international completed his switch from Ajax for an initial fee of £35m yesterday, but it might have been different.
Van de Beek was also subject to interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid, but the move didn't materialise, allowing United to swoop for the talented midfielder.
The 23-year-old spoke about how it all panned out in an interview with De Telegraaf.
“You do not want to know how relieved I am that I have my transfer," he said. "As you know I was around with Real Madrid and the clubs also had an agreement, but for some reason it did not go through.
“Players who were going to leave, stayed and Madrid dropped out. Of course, you are annoyed at the beginning and you wonder if such a possibility will arise again.
“Manchester United is a dream, of course a great club, in the strongest league in the world. I didn’t have to think for a second when I got this chance.”
Van De Beek joined United on a five-year contract, becoming United's first signing of the summer window.
He joins after coming through the academy system at Ajax before making 118 appearances for the club's first team.
