Guiseppe Marotta: Radamel Falcao was Close to Joining Juventus

Juventus managing director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao was close to completing a move to the Serie A champions before the Red Devils made a better offer.

The Colombian international joined Old Trafford on a season-long loan on the final day of the summer transfer window with an option to make the deal permanent the following summer.

Falcao was a subject of interest from multiple clubs, including United's Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, but the Serie A club's managing director has revealed that the former AS Monaco striker preferred a move to Italy over England.

"We followed Falcao, but there has been no contact since he moved to Manchester United," Marotta said, as quoted by Goal.

"We were very close to signing him and the striker preferred a move to Italy to wear Bianconeri colours."

The Juventus chief is aware that United have the option of making the deal permanent, but is not sure of the details, suggesting that the Serie A champions may still harbour hopes of signing the former Atletico Madrid man.

"Then, however, a deal was done to send the forward to Manchester United, who can now buy the player permanently, though that deal is a little blurred," the Juventus managing director explained.

Falcao has had a slow start to his career in a United shirt and has scored just once in five appearances. He is currently sidelined with a thigh injury, which saw him miss the crucial clash against Chelsea.

However the striker is hopeful of being fit for the visit to the Etihad Stadium to face Premier League champions and fierce rivals Manchester City on Sunday.