Former Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has revealed that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both made contact with him regarding the availability of Antonio Valencia.
Bruce eventually sold the Ecuadorian winger to Manchester United in 2009, despite the interest from other European clubs.
"Real Madrid wanted him and so did Bayern Munich, but Wigan chairman Dave Whelan and I wanted him to go to Old Trafford. That was always going to happen if we had our way!" Bruce told the Manchester Evening News.
"We both felt it would be a feather in Wigan's cap to have a player transfer to Manchester United. There was big, big interest from Real and Bayern, amongst others, but we did our best to point him in the direction of Old Trafford.
"Apart from anything else, I thought he was a Manchester United player and he'd handle the step up well. It was his call in the end, but after our input and a chat with Sir Alex, his mind was set."
Valencia has gone on to make 101 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.
Liam Apicella
