I was meant to sign for Man United – the players were even talking to the manager about me

Former England striker Jermain Defoe revealed his frustration over never signing for Manchester United despite manager Sir Alex Ferguson wanting him at Old Trafford. Speaking on William Hill's podcast, The Warm-Up, Defoe stated that United players actively discussed him as a potential permanent signing with Ferguson, but a deal never materialized.

Defoe also noted that ex-United defender Patrice Evra recently confirmed Ferguson's interest to him. Along with Manchester United, Defoe disclosed past transfer interest from Liverpool and Juventus before rejoining Harry Redknapp at Tottenham in 2009.