Diego Godin's agent reportedly made the first contact with Manchester United over a late summer switch as the Atletico Madrid defender indicated that he was interested in a move.
Reports emerged on Thursday morning suggesting that the Red Devils had turned their interest to the Uruguay international after being left frustrated in their long-running pursuit of a new defender.
United were thought to have made an enquiry as to Godin's availability, having been allowed to enter the final 12 months of his contract, but Sky Sports News now suggests that the player's agent instigated the contact.
Despite United confirming that they would be open to a deal, however, the 32-year-old now looks likely to pen a new £6.75m-a-year contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The same report alleges that Godin's representative possibly used United to leverage a better deal for his client.