Manchester United target Douglas Costa signs for Shakhtar Donetsk

07 January 2010 18:05
Interest: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson[LNB] One-time Manchester United target Douglas Costa has sprung a major surprise by signing for Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.   [LNB]Last season's UEFA Cup winners have made a habit of recruiting high-profile Brazilians, with Elano joining Manchester City in big-money deals having first played for the club.   [LNB]However, Costa's transfer from Gremio is a shock and puts on hold any thought Sir Alex Ferguson might have had of resurrecting a deal to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford.   [LNB]At one stage last summer it appeared Ferguson would definitely sign Costa, only for the deal to go cold, amid concerns about the player's attitude.[LNB]United did invite the Brazilian Under-20 international to spend a short trial period with them. But Costa refused, preferring instead to remain with Gremio.  [LNB] However, now he has agreed to make the big move from South America, as so many have done in the past, but join a relatively minor European league compared to Spain, Italy or England.  [LNB] 'I was not expecting it,' he said. 'I only thought of Gremio.  [LNB] 'Today I think about Donetsk and I'm extremely happy.  [LNB] 'That's two times they tried to sign me. I do not know if this is the right time to leave but I mostly thought about my family.' [LNB] Neville set to retire at the end of the season after 18 years a United playerSo, are you sure you've got £60m to spend at Manchester United, Sir Alex?[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail