Radamel Falcao's Father Reveals Arsenal and Liverpool Interest Prior to Manchester United Move

Radamel Falcao's father has revealed Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid were among the clubs interested in signing his son before the striker sealed his move to Manchester United on deadline day.

Falcao completed a sensational move to Old Trafford from Monaco on the final day of the transfer window, joining the club on a season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent next summer.

The Colombian international had been offered to a clutch of Europe's elite clubs only for United to secure a deal. Real Madrid were close to signing the striker, but Falcao's father explained the club's reservations over the deal played a defining role in his eventual arrival in Manchester.

Speaking to Colombian radio station LA FM, Radamel Garcia said: "If you have money and go to the market to buy a shirt or trousers you have to decide whether to buy or not buy. Real Madrid chose not to," Marca reports.

"I don't know, I have the feeling they wanted the player for free with a number of conditions. They had already bought the trousers and shirt they wanted. It is Real Madrid who has the money, so we must accept it.

"Thank God everything thing came [through] with Manchester United. Radamel is a person who has a lot in Europe and has always deserved the best for all the effort, all the sacrifice he has made during his football career. Manchester United is the most important team in England and one of the most economically powerful."

Early on transfer deadline day Manchester City emerged as the favourites to land 28-year-old Falcao as Alvaro Negredo sought a return to La Liga. Despite the Spaniard's imminent departure, however, City opted not to make a bid for Falcao, while a number of other clubs contacted the striker's people regarding a move, including arch-rivals Liverpool.

"Juventus, Manchester City, Liverpool were also in touch," Falcao Snr continued. "Arsenal were also interested. Fortunately he ended up at Manchester United, a great team, and we must forward."

Falcao has been handed the number nine shirt at United and is likely to make his debut at Old Trafford against Queens Park Rangers on 14 September.