Manchester United’s search for a defender this summer was so embarrassing that it could even be described as farcical, however, it has been revealed that they actually turned down to the chance to sign Yerry Mina.
The Colombian centre-back looked set to move to Old Trafford in the closing days of the transfer window as Manchester United‘s search became more and more desperate.
The Red Devils had been linked with the Barcelona defender, having struggled in their negotiations with Leicester and Spurs for the signing of Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld respectively.
Mina ultimately made a £27 million move to fellow Premier League side Everton on deadline day, where the Toffees will hope he can produce the form he showed at the World Cup this summer.
However, well-placed journalist Duncan Castles writes in The Times that despite their transfer desperation, Manchester United eventually rejected the chance to sign Mina due to the Barcelona wanting to include a buy-back clause in the deal, believed to be worth around €60 million.
While Everton are thought to have agreed to that particular clause, just like they did when they signed Gerard Deulofeu from the Catalan club in 2015, Manchester United were not interested and pulled away from negotiations.
United were also unhappy with the demands of Mina’s agent as well as his behaviour during negotiations, while they also refused to accept a proposal from the La Liga champions that Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes be included in the transaction.
Gomes also followed Mina to Everton on loan.