Douglas Costa’s agent claims Man Utd tried to pressure Juventus into selling winger in summer transfer window

MANCHESTER UNITED fought hard to sign Juventus winger Douglas Costa over the summer, his agent claims.

Giovanni Branchini says Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer topped the list of Premier League suitors for the Brazil winger.

Ex-Bayern Munich star Costa has since begun the new season in scintillating form for Serie A champs Juve, including two assists in the first two games.

And Branchini insisted Solskjaer wanted the 28-year-old, despite focusing on young recruits like £10million Wales wideman Daniel James.

Brnachini said: "The interest of Manchester United was strong, a club that has always been interested in the Brazilian.

"It was not the only club but in England it was certainly the most active team on the trail of Douglas Costa."

But Branchini also claimed the exit door for Costa was slammed shut by new Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri.

He said: "I sincerely say that [previous boss Max] Allegri and Sarri have never thought of letting him go."

And now Branchini believes Costa is rediscovering his peak sharpest after finally shrugging off fitness issues.

He said: "Douglas has had countless health problems. Last season he was very often injured.

"He is wanting to recover with great professionalism after standing still."