Douglas Costa denies Manchester United talks

Douglas Costa has taken to Instagram to slam a former representative that claimed he was in talks with Manchester United over a move to the Premier League this summer.

The Brazilian winger is represented by Junior Mendoza, but his former agent Giovanni Branchini had made claims about Costa's potential move this summer.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Branchini said: "The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian.

"It was not the only club but in England it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa.

"He loves Juventus but is able to adapt to every reality. Premier League is a beautiful championship but for now United have failed in all their attempts to convince Juventus to sell him."

These claims angered Costa, who took to Instagram on Monday night to say: "I'm writing to deny the baseless news published today, which said I was in negotiations with some clubs during the last transfer window.

"Since the start of this season, I've been clear that I wanted to stay here to win trophies and give blood for the Juve jersey.

"Junior Mendoza is my only agent and the only person authorised to speak on my behalf."

According to the Manchester Evening News, Costa was in fact a big target of United's in the summer of 2018.

The 28-year-old has started both of Juventus' opening Serie A matches of the season, registering two assists in a 4-3 win against Napoli last time out.