Lucas Moura: 'I almost joined Manchester United'

Lucas Moura has revealed that he was "very close" to signing for Manchester United in 2012.

It was reported at the time that the winger, who was a Santos player, had agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford.

However, he ended up joining Paris Saint-Germain in a deal thought to be worth in the region of £40m.

The 23-year-old remains on PSG's books, and ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Manchester City this evening, Lucas has admitted that he almost committed himself to United.

"I was very close to joining Manchester United. It nearly happened but, at the last minute, Leonardo (PSG director of football) called me and spoke to me and my parents," he told The Telegraph.

"It was a very difficult moment because suddenly I had to make a choice when I thought I was joining Manchester United.

"I thought about it a lot. I talked about it with my family and I made my choice. Football is like that. You have to choose a team."

Lucas has made 154 appearances for the Parisians, from which he has scored 23 goals.