Man Utd had Solari deal agreed with Real Madrid

Manchester United had agreed terms with Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari this week about a move to Old Trafford.

Marca says United had agreed a £4 million fee with Real for the Argentina international and also struck a four-year deal with the player.

But the move was called off by United after Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho chose to field Solari as a second-half substitute in the midweek Champions League qualifier against Wisla - so Cup-tying him for all European games this season.

However, with Real indicating that no new contract offer will be made to Solari, the left-sided midfielder is expected to hold new talks with United from January 1 when he can sign a pre-contract with the Premiership giants ahead of a Bosman move next summer.

Camacho's decision to field Solari this week appears to have cost Real Madrid a cool £4 million.