Norwich City boss Daniel Farke has revealed that he tried to sign Daniel James from Swansea City during the summer before Manchester United completed a move for the Welshman.
James starred for Swansea during the 2018-19 campaign and actually came close to joining Leeds United in January only for his Welsh club to pull the plug at the final moment.
United ultimately signed the 21-year-old for a figure in the region of £15m, and the attacker has provided three goals and one assist in nine Premier League outings this season.
Farke has claimed that he wanted to bring the Wales international to Carrow Road before being made to admit defeat once the Red Devils had showed their hand.
"He is a player I always liked and I tried to see if there was chance we could work together," Farke told reporters. "Sadly when Man United calls there is no chance for Norwich to get a player. I'm not surprised he had become a key player for them so early. All respect to him because he is already crucial."
United will head to Norwich in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon looking to pick up their first three points in England's top flight since the middle of September.
Matt Law
