Manchester United Transfer News: Lucas Had Agreed United Deal, Claims Agent

This is not going to make Manchester United fans feel any better about the recent sale of their top transfer target, Lucas Moura, to Paris St. Germain and not to Old Trafford.

According to latest reports, the 19-year-old sensation was all set to join the Red Devils next summer, and only a signature was needed from the talented teenager for it to be official—before the big-spending French club intervened.

Lucas' agent Wagner Ribeiro admitted via UOL (h/t Goal) that negotiations were at an advanced stage between the two clubs, and that the player looked likely to sign with Sir Alex Ferguson's men for the upcoming English Premier League season.

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Everything was agreed upon between Sao Paulo and Manchester United. The contract had been written and just needed to be signed, but then Leandro [PSG representative] called me and asked to talk about Lucas.

They talked. Leandro was helped by the fact that he is Brazilian. He was very gentle with Lucas. 

The possibility of living in Paris—a much more pleasant city than Manchester—also influenced his decision. But it was PSG's project that impressed Lucas. What gives me victory is that I know Lucas is happy.

"

Oh how bitter defeat doth taste for United.

The Red Devils were the clear favorites to land Lucas this summer, but were unable to land the telling blow when it came to striking a deal with the Brazilian club.

Player wages, agent fees and his family were all cited (per Goal) as potential reasons why a deal never happened, but the truth is, that United simply weren't as impressive as PSG.

The French club—which is surely the hot favorites to capture the domestic title this season—has already acquired Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Thiago Silva for next season and now can add Lucas Moura to that list. What is even more impressive is the money that they spent to bring them to the club.

They spent around £20 million in transfer fees on Ibrahimovic (per The Guardian); £24 million on Lavezzi (per ESPN Soccernet); around £35 million on Thiago Silva (per Goal); and can now add the £35 million acquisition of Lucas to that list.

Over £100 million spent in the one transfer window. And they say money can't buy you happiness. 

No wonder United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is frustrated and amazed (via www.manutd.com) with the big-spending of PSG and their ability to simply snatch Lucas out of their hands with a bigger and better offer. 

And he's probably got every right to be frustrated—especially when it turns out Manchester United were so close signing the talented teenager after all.

What do you make of Lucas Moura's deal with Paris St. Germain?

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