Memphis Depay snubbed Liverpool because he preferred a move to Manchester United, PSV’s technical director has confirmed.
Marcel Brands, who is responsible for the Dutch club’s recruitment, has told Sky Sports News HQ that the 21-year-old Dutch international preferred a move to Old Trafford to re-join Louis van Gaal, who managed him with the Netherlands at last summer’s World Cup.
Brands said: “Liverpool contacted us and talked with the player. They were also one of the clubs interested but at the end Memphis had the final decision and he chose Manchester United.
“United contacted us a few weeks ago but the direct actions to the club and the player were in the last days and it moved very quickly.
“Louis played a big part in the decision. I worked with Louis for four years myself and I know he was very happy with Memphis after the World Cup and had a lot of confidence in him.
“He is the right coach for Memphis because he’s great with young players who can learn a lot.”
Sky sources understand Depay, who was the Eredivisie’s top-scorer as PSV won the title, has agreed a four-year deal with an option of a further year for a fee believed to be in the region of £25m.
Brands has backed the PSV academy graduate to succeed under Van Gaal and praised Depay's talents.
Brands said: “For sure he will fit in at United because he’s a real winner. He’s a boy from our youth academy but his character is a boy from the streets.
“He wants to be the best and will go for that goal at United, so they should be pretty happy with a fantastic boy and a fantastic player. He never looks nervous. He likes the pressure and a big audience, and he plays his best in those conditions.
“He made the last steps from the highest youth team to the first-team very fast, only over a few years, and also into the national team. He’s physically strong for his age, fast, and has tremendous technique. He practises his free-kicks daily and works hard.”
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