Stam turned down Real switch

Jaap Stam turned down a late Real Madrid bid to sign him before completing his £16.5million move from Manchester United to Lazio, it has emerged.

The Dutchman has signed a four-year contract with the Italian club following his surprise departure from Old Trafford.

He was dropped from the United squad after their narrow 3-2 win over Fulham on the opening day.

The move came soon after the publication of the Dutch international's controversial autobiography, which included allegations that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had "tapped him up" before signing him from PSV Eindhoven.

Ferguson insisted that the sale was "purely a footballing decision" - but furious Stam said: "I played for three years and did well. Then within two weeks I was not wanted any more.

"Things have not been nice in the last two weeks at Manchester United. Of course I spoke to Alex Ferguson and he told me they were bringing in a defender.

"They said they had an offer from a foreign club and the club had agreed to accept the offer. I was not happy with the situation.

"No player can sit on the bench at 29. I want to play every game at a high level. There is no better club in England then United, so I did not want to go to any other club in England.

"I do not know what to believe. Some say I don"t fit into Ferguson's plans, others say it's what's in the book."

Lazio's general manager Massimo Cragnotti said he was delighted to have secured the defender's services, and added: "Real Madrid tried to stop the signing - but he had already agreed to join us and said no.

"We are very happy he is here and this will finish our signings for the year."