The agent of Lucas Moura admits he was on his way to Manchester United before PSG's intervention. The Brazilian's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, has explained that the role of PSG sporting director Leonardo was significant in persuading Moura to move to the free-spending Ligue 1 side.

"Everything was agreed between Sao Paulo and Manchester United," Ribeiro told UOL.

"The contract had been written (and) just needed to be signed. But then Leonardo called me and asked to talk to Lucas.

"They talked. Leonardo was helped by the fact he is Brazilian. He was very gentle with Lucas.

"The possibility of living in Paris - a much more pleasant city than Manchester - also influenced his decision. But it was PSG's project that impressed Lucas."