Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara - and they may have Manchester United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs to thank.
Reports have suggested the Premier League champions have agreed a £25m fee for the Spanish international, and it he now looks increasingly likely he will be a Liverpool player soon.
However, it could have all been so different.
When Thiago was still at Barcelona back in 2013, Liverpool's bitter rivals United were believed to be keen on making a move.
A deal was reportedly all but complete, but Wales boss Giggs, who held the role of assistant to then manager David Moyes at the time, reportedly vetoed the move.
According to journalist Ian McGarry, Moyes asked for an explanation and was told: "Playing for this club is more than being a footballer.
"It's about your attitude, it's about your mindset, it's about everything that you want.
"Everything in your body, every cell, has to want to live play and win for Manchester United. I don't think he's a Manchester United player."
United allegedly pulled out of the deal immediately, and instead opted to sign Chelsea's Juan Mata.
Thiago, meanwhile, would go on to link up with Pep Guardiola at Bayern, where he won seven league titles and picked up a Champions League winners medal.
To make matters worse for United fans, he now looks almost certain to pull on the red of Liverpool very soon.
Funny old game.
