The agent of Gareth Bale has revealed that Manchester United offered more than Real Madrid to sign him, before he moved to the Bernabeu in a world-record 100 million euro deal last summer.
Bale, 25, scored decisive goals in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals to help his new side to two major trophies in his debut season and has impressed during his time in Spain.
But the Welshman could have moved to Old Trafford if he had decided to take up a more lucrative offer.
"It was one of the greatest, if not the largest [transfers]," agent Jonathan Barnett told AS.com. "And to complete it was a great honor for me because I met Gareth when he was very young and I was able to help make dream come true ... He always wanted to play for Madrid. He could have gone to United and other clubs, but he wanted to Madrid."
When quizzed if Man Utd had offered more money, he replied: "Not much more, but more.
"I know that at one time Barcelona were also interested in him, but he said he did not want to go there. There were two agents who called me..."
Barnett also insisted that his client is destined to win the Ballon d'Or at some point during his career.
"I'm sure that he will be the best player in the world," he added. "He will win the Ballon d'Or. He's 25 years old! I told the president and Jose Angel Sanchez and they laughed. They don't laugh much now.
"I told them that Bale was a better player than Neymar and has more impact. In Wales there are fewer people than in Brazil, unfortunately. But in the world I think Gareth is more known and important."