Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has revealed that the MLS champions tried to sign Frank Lampard before recruiting Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

The former Chelsea midfielder agreed to join the newly-formed New York City FC franchise last summer, while Gerrard announced his intention to move to Galaxy in January.

Arena told The Mirror: "We recruited Frank pretty hard here. The deal was close.

"We talk to pretty much every single player that is interested in coming to the US and certainly when you hear Frank Lampard is willing, you're gonna have a lengthy conversation.

"I got to know Frank and visited him in London and he's a fabulous person and player and he's really going to help football here in America. He's going to do really well."

Lampard is yet to make his debut for his new club, having spent the 2014-15 season on loan with Manchester City.