Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has played his part in keeping Leeds United from pulling off a sensational transfer coup, with the Whites on the tail of Inter full-back Alvaro Pereira.
The ex-FC Porto man, until recently rated as one of the most accomplished, attack-minded full-backs in world football, has just joined Argentine side Estudiantes, the club of which Veron is president.
Pereira, who had been on loan at Brazilian side Sao Paulo, cancelled the deal to link up with Argentine club Estudiantes, a move believed to be motivated by personal reasons.
Still just 29 years old, the Uruguay international was wanted by a whole host of clubs, in Italy and abroad – and his agent lifted the lid on the list, a list which includes Leeds United.
Alfredo Regueira told FC Inter News: "Alvaro is really very happy to be joining Estudiantes.
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"President Veron believes in Palito so much, that's why he agreed to take him on loan with a purchase option.
"Who else tried for him? There were many other clubs involved: Leeds, Dynamo Kyiv, Boca [Juniors], River [Plate] and Palmeiras."
Pereira, who cost Inter €10m to snap up in August 2012, won two Portuguese league titles, two Portuguese Cups and one Europa League during his time at Porto. He also helped Uruguay to win the Copa America in 2011.
The deal which has taken Pereira to Estudiantes is complex, but is linked to his appearances for the Argentine side and is expected, if the purchase option is activated, to net Inter around €3m.
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