Liverpool new boy Fabinho has revealed that he was ‘never close’ to joining bitter rivals Manchester United this summer.

Fabinho joined the Reds from Monaco in a deal worth around £43m back in May, a transfer that seemed to come out of nowhere.

However, it had been heavily rumoured for the last couple of years that Manchester United were interested in acquiring his services, and reports last year stated that the Red Devils were close to doing just that.

However, the 24-year-old has told FourFourTwo Magazine that joining Manchester United was never close to completion, and insisted he was always keen to move to Liverpool once their firm interest was known.

“I was never close to signing for Manchester United, no,” Fabinho said. “I heard things said about it, but the truth is it was never a strong possibility.

“I won’t deny there were a few conversations about my situation with Monaco, but there was never an official offer from United.

“I was sad to leave Monaco, a club that gave me a lot of great moments, but in football sometimes you need new challenges and I thought it was time to move on.

“As soon as Liverpool declared their interest in signing me, it was a simple decision to make.

“A club with Liverpool’s history wants you? Come on, you just pack your bags and go. It will be an honour to wear the famous red shirt.”