ADEM LJAJIC’S “ghost transfer” to Manchester United caused the midfielder “psychological shock”.

The Serbian was dubbed the “next Kaka” after making his senior debut for Partizan Belgrade aged just 16.

His rise up the ranks in his homeland even caught the attention of United, who offered trials to Ljajic and team-mate Zoran Tosic.

A 17-year-old Ljajic impressed on trial with the Red Devils in October 2008 and he was even taken for dinner by compatriot Nemanja Vidic.

Future transfers were agreed for both players only for Ljajic’s dream move to collapse at the last minute.

While Tosic signed for United in January 2009, the club agreed for Ljajic to remain at Partizan until the end of the year.

After visiting Carrington several times for training during the following months, United pulled the plug on the £9million deal to sign Ljajic just weeks after his last trip.

A club statement at the time explained: “We had an option to buy the player but, having closely monitored his development over the past 12 months, and taken into consideration the young players emerging through the ranks at the club, we have not chosen to pursue the transfer.”

Despite claims money and Ljajic’s form were to blame for the deal falling through, United assistant manager Mike Phelan instead suggested securing a work permit was the issue.

Meanwhile, Partizan boss Goran Stevanovic credited Ljajic for “handling the situation well” and “overcoming the psychological shock”.

Ljajic has since gone on to play elite level football away from Old Trafford.

Having already been an under-21 international when he trialled with United, the 32-year-old has nine goals in 47 senior caps for Serbia.

He also featured for his country in all three of their matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

At club level, he later signed for Fiorentina in 2010 before spells with Roma, Inter Milan and Torino during his time in Italy.

Ljajic also played in Turkey for Besiktas and Fatih Karamguruk in recent years before returning to Serbia last month.

He signed for hometown club Novi Pazar in September, even scoring on his debut.

As for Tosic, he remained with United for just 18 months, making five first-team appearances before being sold to CSKA Moscow in 2010.

Now aged 36, he plays in Greece for PAS Lamia following a return to Partizan and spells in China and Kazakhstan.

He also won 76 caps for Serbia during his international career, including one at the 2010 World Cup, scoring 11 goals.

United pulled out of signing Ljajic but completed the signing of compatriot Zoran TosicCredit: Getty – Contributor