Manchester United rejected chance to sign Franck Ribery for £60m

Partizan Belgrade president Dragan Djuric claimed last week that it was a financial decision not to sign Ljajic and today the Mail on Sunday report that United pulled out of signing Franck Ribery after they were quoted a fee of £60 million for the French winger.

Rob Draper writes: "directors at Bayern Munich formed the same impression as Djuric in the summer when United made an early inquiry about the availability of Bayern winger Franck Ribery ."

Draper adds: "Bayern suggested a price in the region of £60million, heard nothing more and concluded that United didn't have the money to spend, despite the £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo."

United would counter by claiming that Ribery is not worth £60millio, as shown by the injuries that have restricted the Frenchman this season. A bidding war is expected for Ribery in the next transfer window, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City interested.