Capello confirms Manchester United were after Italian midfielder this summer

Transfers

Fabio Capello has confirmed that David Moyes rang him to ask about Daniele De Rossi this summer as he looked around Europe for midfield options.

Manchester United reportedly had a bid for De Rossi rejected by Roma during the transfer window. Moyes was certainly in the market for a midfield with bids officially rejected for Ander Herrera, Cesc Fabregas and Sami Khedira.

Capello admitted that he told Moyes how good a signing the Italian would have been for United and that he would have encouraged him to make the move to Old Trafford.

“David Moyes asked me for my opinion about De Rossi a few months ago and my opinion could only be positive,” Capello told Fox Sports.

“If I were De Rossi, I would have gone to Manchester United and join a team where they have a lot of ambition.”

Eventually, United secured Marouane Fellaini on transfer deadline day but De Rossi would have been a real class addition to our midfield.

He is a world class enforcer – a no nonsense, ball winning midfielder – who would have strengthened our side and it is a shame that a move never materialised.