Discussions which involved Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford joining Manchester United on loan took place ahead of the 2023-24 season, according to the Daily Mail.
The Red Devils had David de Gea during the previous campaign, but former manager Erik ten Hag had hinted at signing another goalie as he entered the final weeks of his contract.
Everton were fighting for Premier League safety in the spring of 2023, and they were planning for life in the Championship if it came to that.
Holding on to Pickford in the second division ahead of the European Championship was not feasible, and talks about letting him join Man United were held.
However, a penalty save in the 2-2 draw against Leicester City proved crucial. Everton ended up securing safety, finishing 17th in the table, two points ahead of the Foxes.
Pickford remained with the Toffees while the Red Devils signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan in a £47 million deal.
The Cameroon international goalie has since been shipped out on loan to Trabzonspor after two disastrous campaigns. Man United have signed Senne Lammens to replace him.
Pickford has gone from strength to strength since then for both club and country, keeping clean sheets in each of his last eight appearances for England as his international caps reached 79.
Having such a player in goal would have been huge for the Red Devils, but it was not meant to be.
Everton are now looking to tie him down to a long-term contract, which would keep him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium club for the rest of his career.
