'Serious story': Austrian star confirms Man Utd transfer interest

Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann has confirmed that Manchester United were heavily interested in signing him this summer.

The Austrian was the top target for the back-up keeper position for United, but a deal failed to materialise with the Championships side.

United wanted to sign him on a temporary basis, but the Hornets were adamant that he would not leave for less than £4 million.

As a result, the club turned their focus to Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka instead. They landed him on an initial loan deal.

Bachmann has now acknowledged that United were serious about him, but they could not strike an agreement with the Hornets.

He said: "There have been talks with Manchester United. That’s no secret. Of course it’s great to be associated with such a club. It was also a serious story."

"The first contact was made at the end of May, it lasted until mid-July. It wasn’t like a club or I said no, you just couldn’t agree on anything. That happens in football."

Bachmann was in-and-out of the starting line-up last season as the Hornets were immediately relegated from the Premier League.

This time around, he has been ever-present between the sticks and will be hoping to guide the club back to the top-flight next term.