Real Madrid Tried to Include Former Chelsea Player in Ambitious Man Utd Swap Deal

Real Madrid submitted a player-plus-cash offer for one of Manchester United's top stars, but the move fell through after Sir Alex Ferguson made his feelings clear on the proposed deal.

There have been some notable player-plus-cash deals over the years, with one of those being Andy Cole's transfer from Newcastle to Manchester United in 1995, which involved a £7 million fee and Keith Gillespie.

Others include defender William Gallas, who memorably swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in a deal that included Ashley Cole, while Barcelona paid €46 million plus Samuel Eto'o for Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

There have also been some failed swap deals over the years. Step forward, Real Madrid.

Back in 2003, then-Los Blancos midfielder Geremi was offered to United as part of a deal to bring David Beckham to the Spanish capital following his season-long loan spell at Middlesbrough.

Geremi, who made 34 appearances for Boro during the 2002-03 campaign, was heavily linked with a move away from Madrid that summer.

"I am hoping there may be a deal to be done with Manchester United but we have got a long way to go," said Barry Silkman, who was representing Geremi's interests in England at the time.

Madrid proceeded to make a £14 million plus Geremi offer to United, who were holding out for £25 million.

"He's happy to be a Real Madrid player, but not if he is not playing," said Silkman at the time. "Beckham's deal does not change anything as far as Manchester United and Real Madrid are concerned, but for Geremi it does make it harder to get in the side."

As expected, the deal involving Geremi was swiftly turned down, with Sir Alex Ferguson only interested in a cash deal, according to a report from BBC.

United eventually decided against pursuing a move for the Cameroon international, who went on to join fellow Premier League side Chelsea for a reported £7 million in 2003.

Geremi spent four years at Real Madrid. Image credit: Getty

Geremi would go on to make over 100 appearances for the Blues between 2003 and 2007. After making 118 appearances for his country, he retired in 2011 following spells at Newcastle, Ankaragucu and Greek side AEL.