Forlan didn't want Spanish switch

The Manchester United forward has proved something of an enigma since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2002 from Independiente for an inflated £7.5 million.

The 24-year-old has mixed the sublime with the ridiculous for The Red Devils, sporadically scoring spectacular goals but regularly fluffing his lines in opposition territory.

Forlan's recent flurry of goals has cemented his position as Ruud van Nistelrooy's strike partner in the absence of the injured Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Paul Scholes.

But the Uruguayan could easily have been heading for the Old Trafford exit door during pre-season with several Liga clubs keen on his services.

Sevilla revealed their interest in luring Forlan to Spain while their city rivals Real Betis were offered the attacker as bait in The Red Devils' bid to sign Joaquin.

Valencia were also mooted with an approach and Forlan is grateful the rumours came to nothing as he finally aims to prove the doubters wrong.

"There was talk about Valencia on TV and in the newspapers but I didn't want to think about it because I didn't want to go," Forlan told The Sunday Times.

"People said United would buy another striker, and being such a big club they could afford anyone, but it didn't happen and that was good for me."