Serie A star confirms a failed summer bid from Man United
Mar 25, 2016 at 2:05 PM
Manchester United’s long-term target Felipe Anderson has confirmed that Lazio turned down a bid from the Red Devils last summer and the Brazilian also insisted his current focus is not on a possible move away from his current club.
The Italian team’s sporting director, Igli Tare, earlier in January revealed that United tabled an offer of €50 million for the highly-rated midfielder, claiming that the offer was rebuffed by the Serie A side.
However, speculation has persisted over a potential move to Old Trafford but Anderson is seems not letting the rumours play on his mind.
“Whenever we’re approaching the transfer market there’s a lot of talk about my future,” he told in an interview with UOL.
“For two years my name has been linked with several European clubs. I continue to work and think only of Lazio, otherwise I just risk being distracted.
“My goal is to do well with Lazio and the Brazil Olympic team, I’m not thinking about anything else. I want to finish the season well, and I want to show my potential so I can be called up.
“Manchester United? An offer came in last year, Lazio have confirmed that’s the case too. They preferred to keep me, though, to have a great season.
“Unfortunately we were unable to repeat our achievements of last year, but we’re continuing to work hard, we’ll see what the future holds.”
Last term he was one of the key players with whom Lazio surprised Serie A to clinch a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds. Felipe Anderson scored 10 goals with 7 assists as Stefano Pioli’s team finished third, in what was his ultimate breakout campaign in the European arena.
Obviously the 22-year-old star is highly talented and has the kind of pace van Gaal is searching for. But the problem is he can become inconsistent some times and has actually managed the full 90 minutes in just 6 of Lazio’s 27 league fixture this season with 6 goals.
Given that his buyout clause stands at £57million and his contract runs until 2020, many suggest that he’s perhaps better left alone right now.
Interestingly the former Santos youngster grew up playing alongside Brazilian maestro Neymar in his homeland and is now desperate to emulate his former teammate’s impact on European football.
The Brazilian international is renowned for his quick style of play and pace, and also has showed that he versatile, having featured as a striker, winger and an attacking midfielder.
The 22-year-old Brazilian started his senior career with Santos FC where he scored nine goals from 106 appearances for the club across all competitions. In 2013, he joined Lazio for a reported fee of 8 million euros, and has scored 19 goals for the club.
The player is also known for his shooting abilities from long distances, and is equally powerful with both his legs, which draws comparison with Santi Cazorla and David Villa.