Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has revealed that he came close to joining Real Sociedad during the summer transfer window, but a move broke down "at the last minute".

The Netherlands international recently admitted that he needs to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window for the sake of his career, as he is not in the plans of Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.

Van de Beek arrived in Manchester in 2020 off the back of scoring 41 goals and registering 34 assists in 175 appearances for Ajax, but he has only managed two goals and two assists in 62 appearances for the 20-time English champions during a disappointing spell.

The Dutchman has played just 21 minutes of football this season, with his only Premier League outing coming against Crystal Palace at the end of September.

Van de Beek was on the bench for Sunday's league clash with Everton, but he has not made the trip to Turkey for the Champions League clash with Galatasaray, as he is not registered for the competition.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, while a recent report claimed that Newcastle United are interested in signing him during the January transfer window.

Van de Beek has revealed that he came close to moving to Real Sociedad during the summer, but "the clubs could not reach an agreement".

"I was close to going to Real Sociedad, but at the last minute, the clubs could not reach an agreement," Van de Beek told AS.

Van de Beek missed the second half of last season due to a serious knee injury, but he returned for the start of pre-season training and was involved in the team's preparations for the new campaign.

Man United currently have availability issues in the middle of midfield, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount on the sidelines through injury.

Kobbie Mainoo starred on his full Premier League debut against Everton, while Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Sofyan Amrabat are also ahead of Van de Beek in the pecking order.

Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri has been used over the former Ajax playmaker this season, and it is highly unlikely that he will represent the club again, with a departure in January thought to be a serious possibility.

Van de Beek has another 18 months left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year, but Man United are not expected to hand him an extension.

Inter Milan have also been linked with the Dutchman, but it is unclear whether the Italian giants are planning to make a move for him next year. body check tags ::