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Manchester United transfer news: Ezequiel Lavezzi snubbed United switch in favour of moving to China

Lavezzi has revealed that he could have joined United, Chelsea or Inter Milan but chose to join Hebei China Fortune instead

Jack de Menezes

Tuesday 01 March 2016 12:08 GMT

Ezequiel Lavezzi joined Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune last month (Getty Images)

Manchester United missed out on signing former Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi after he decided to join for Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune in a deal worth a reported £400,000-a-week, the player has revealed.

Lavezzi left the French league leaders last month after signing a two-year-deal with the Chinese side despite being linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including United. But United failed to secure a move for the Argentina international before the 1 February transfer deadline, and Hebei capitalised by luring him to China in the additional month that their transfer window had to run.

PSG were willing to let Lavezzi leave in the January transfer window after he fell out of favour under head coach Laurent Blanc, but a Premier League move failed to materialise and the 30-year-old secured a lucrative move to the Far East.

Speaking after the deal was completed, Lavezzi defended his decision to move to China and claimed that it was due to the development of the club as well as the wage hike that persuaded him to sign, but he also admitted that interest elsewhere – including from United – had failed to reach a conclusion.

"The plan for development of this club interests me,” said Lavezzi. “It is one of the reasons that pushed me to join the club, alongside the finances.

"That is why I came here. I could have signed for Inter, Chelsea or Manchester United. But I took a decision to leave for China.

"It is an important decision in my career. But I have already taken the decision to play here. So now I will give everything for my club."

Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

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1/11Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

John Stones

Mourinho's admiration for the Everton defender is well known with the Portuguese coach understood to have been behind Chelsea's bids for the England international last summer. Everton refused to relent back then but an offer of even more money from Manchester United might be too tempting to turn down.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas was understood to be on Manchester United's radar when he left Barcelona for Chelsea and the Spain international is of the quality that would improve United's current squad. Despite the reports that the former Arsenal player was among those who forced Mourinho out at Stamford Bridge, he was one of the few to speak publicly in glowing terms of Mourinho. "Thank you for all you have done for me," he wrote on Twitter. "I owe you a lot and we will all miss you. Good luck in the future."

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Gareth Bale

Manchester United hold a long-term interest in Bale and Mourinho's arrival will only strengthen their determination to sign the Wales international. It's been suggested that the Real Madrid forward has been put off moving to Old Trafford due to the uncertainty surrounding the club, but the appointment of Mourinho would go a long way to dispelling fears that Manchester United are a club in flux.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Alvaro Morata

Alvaro Morata has caught the eye of Arsenal, Chelsea and United, but the appointment of Mourinho as manager could give the Manchester club the advantage. Any move for Morata is likely to involve Real Madrid, and Mourinho's good relationship with his former club would help smooth over negotiations.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Raphael Varane

Manchester United spent much of last summer pursuing Sergio Ramos, but a repeat attempt to sign the Real Madrid centre-back appears highly unlikely if Mourinho takes charge due to their tempestuous relationship during their shared time at the Bernabeu. A move for Ramos' fellow centre-back Varane does seem plausible though, with Mourinho signing the defender from Lens and giving him his opportunity at Real Madrid.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Paul Pogba

Who doesn't want Paul Pogba? Despite claims the midfielder will move to Barcelona in the summer, nothing has been confirmed and while that remains the case the France international will continue to be linked with big-money moves elsewhere, including a return to Manchester United. Chelsea reportedly made a huge bid for the 22-year-old last summer, confirming that Mourinho is a fan.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Andre Gomes

The Valencia midfielder emerged on United's radar before Mourinho was linked with the club, but he appears to be a fan of the 22-year-old. One problem will be Valencia's valuation, which currently sits in excess of £40m.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Luka Modric

Mourinho revealed that he tried to sign Modric for Chelsea in 2014, confirming that a reunion with the player he worked with at Real Madrid appeals. It was Mourinho who signed the Croatian from Tottenham in 2012 and with the 30-year-old still operating at the top level on a consistent basis, he would certainly have something to offer Manchester United.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Joao Mario

Joao Mario is wanted by Mourinho after the Sporting Lisbon midfielder impressed his compatriot. Valued at around £27m, the 23-year-old would be an expensive acquisition for United, but he could follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo in heading to Old Trafford from the Portuguese club.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Ezequiel Garay

Garay worked under Mourinho at Real Madrid, but while he is being linked with a move to United, it's uncertain if he would be considered a first-team starter. Garay was sold by Mourinho to Benfica in 2011, having failed to impress the Portuguese, and he could be brought in to try and add the defensive depth that United are clearly lacking.

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Who might Mourinho try to sign at Man Utd?

Mauro Icardi

The Inter Milan captain has reiterated his commitment to the Italian side, but offers are still expected to be made for the 23-year-old with both United and Arsenal linked with the striker as well as Chelsea.

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Despite landing the bumper deal, Lavezzi is some way from being the highest paid player in the world after tax is deducted, with his wages equating to a take-home fee of £222,000-a-week – not even enough for him to match Wayne Rooney’s £250,000 weekly wage.

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