Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that Radamel Falcao wanted to join the Serie A winners and was very close to making a switch to Italy.

The Colombian international made a switch to Old Trafford on the final day of the transfer window as he joined United on a season-long loan. The deal saw Louis van Gaal’s side spend £6m in landing the former Atletico Madrid star, who is reportedly earning around £20m-a-year.

Marotta says Juventus were in talks with Falcao’s camp before United signed the striker with the help of their financial power. The Turin club’s chief believes Italian clubs are struggling to bring world class players to Serie A.

“We were following him and there was contact. We were very close to [signing] Falcao and the player preferred Italy and our colours, but then United came forward and they have much more spending power than we do so the deal broke down,” Marotta told RAI.

“The quality of our league has fallen behind. Serie A used to be the league everybody strived to play in, but it’s no longer like that today. The best players want to play abroad.”

Since joining United, Falcao has scored only once, which was the winner against Everton at Old Trafford. However, the South American hotshot missed the Red Devils’ crucial clash against Chelsea on Sunday with injury.

United face Premier League champions Manchester City in their upcoming fixture and the Red Devils faithful would be hoping Falcao would be fit enough for Manchester derby.