Former Newcastle and West Brom striker Salomon Rondon has revealed the January transfer window interest shown in him by Manchester United.
The striker, now playing for Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League, was briefly linked with United before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side swooped for Odion Ighalo on loan.
And Rondon has revealed the links were "not smoke" — though the move never materialised and he remained with Dalian, where he's managed by former boss Rafa Benitez.
But Rondon has been asked in two interviews about the links with United.
"There was something. It was not smoke," he told Spanish outlet AS. "They were rumours and very strong. In the end it could not be specified and now I have to focus on Dalian."
“It was all out of my hands,” Rondon added to The Athletic.
“It means a lot to be linked with Manchester United because they have a great history and it must mean they think I did well in the Premier League.
"They started to talk to my agent and I was just waiting by my phone for a decision, maybe for the lawyers, but then I saw Ighalo had signed. It didn’t get to the stage where an offer was made or anything like that, but I think it was really close.”
United were also close to a move for Bournemouth's Josh King on January deadline day, before finally sealing a loan for Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season.
The former Watford striker made his United debut as a late substitute in their recent 2-0 victory over Chelsea and could make his first start against Club Brugge.
"He’s glad to have got on the pitch," said Solskjaer on Ighalo's debut.
"He’s represented us now and it’s just about getting sharper and fitter because he’s been out of season. So he’s trained well and looking forward to this game.”
