Juventus were "very close" to signing Radamel Falcao in the summer

Juventus director Beppe Marotta has revealed that the club were "very close" to signing Radamel Falcao prior to his loan switch to Manchester United.

The Colombian joined the Red Devils on transfer deadline day in September on a season-long loan from Monaco, but the striker has claimed numerous times that he wants to stay at Old Trafford beyond the current campaign.

Marotta told RAI programme La Domenica Sportiva: "We were very close to Falcao, as the player wanted to privilege Italy and our jersey.

"However, then Manchester United stepped forward and they have more spending power, so the deal fell apart."

Falcao missed United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday due to injury.