"At first..." - Father of Liverpool star reveals how Man Utd tried to sign his son before his move to Anfield

The father of Liverpool wonderkid Stefan Bajcetic has revealed how Manchester United attempted to sign the midfielder before he made the switch to Anfield.

Bajcetic joined the Reds from Spanish side Celta Vigo in 2020, becoming the final academy player to join a Premier League club before new Brexit regulations were enforced.

He initially joined up with Liverpool's youth team, and made rapid progress through the ranks at Anfield.

After featuring in pre-season with the senior squad, Bajcetic made his competitive debut in the Premier League during the 9-0 win over Bournemouth in August.

The Spain youth international has had to bide his time for a regular run in the team, but has now started each of Liverpool's last six matches in all competitions.

He was given the player of the match award for his performance in the 2-0 Merseyside derby victory over Everton, and has been praised by boss Jurgen Klopp on a number of occasions.

The player's father, meanwhile, has claimed that the Reds may not have signed Bajcetic at all if it wasn't for fierce rivals United.

Man Utd wanted Liverpool star Bajcetic

Srdan Bajcetic has claimed in an interview with Spanish outlet El Mundo that Liverpool initially told Celta that they could not complete a move for the defender-turned-midfielder, then aged 16.

However, United's expression of interest forced them into a rethink.

Bajcetic Sr explained (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "Celta does not have the financial power to make professional contracts at that age. Sometimes they go away.

"So that they do not escape, they must be put in the first team and the youngsters are represented.

"Some scouts from Liverpool saw him and contacted us. But Stefan was still a child, not even 16 years old. He couldn't go anywhere [under EU law].

"At first, Liverpool told us that they couldn't do it and then United called us [and said] that they could. Liverpool found out and contacted us again to sign him."

Bajcetic could be named in the starting XI to face United on March 5 when the two sides clash in the Premier League - which is the next league fixture for Erik ten Hag's side this season.