Cedric Soares saw a big-money move to Manchester United fall through this summer, according to FC Nordsjælland defender Karlo Bartolec.
Speaking to 24sata, as cited on Sport Witness, Bartolec explains that he could have been the man to replace Soares, had the Portuguese defender left the Saints over the summer.
I could have gone to Southampton this summer. I was hoping Portugal’s Soares would go to Manchester United, but that failed, so I missed my move to the Premiership. They were looking for €25m euros for him, and I could have been his replacement.
Soares has been heavily linked with moves away from the club for some time, with United and Chelsea known to be long-term admirers of the player.
Southampton were linked with a move for Bartolec during the summer transfer window, but nothing came of the rumours.
It had been suggested that he could be signed as a back-up option for Soares, but it now appears that he may have been shortlisted as his direct replacement.
Cedric has been at Southampton since 2015 after joining from Portuguese side Sporting.
