Carlos Roa has claimed that he was in line to join Manchester United in the summer of 1999 only for the move to collapse following his sudden retirement.
The Argentine was widely regarded as one of the world's finest keepers at the end of the century and was a priority for Sir Alex Ferguson.
United were looking for a long term successor to replace Peter Schmeichel who departed the club following their treble success in 1999.
Roa's stock was high having been part of the Argentina side that dumped England out on penalties in the previous year's World Cup at the last-16 stage, famously saving David Batty's spot-kick.