Gabriel Obertan set to sign two-year deal with Bulgarian side Levski Sofia… four weeks after being released by Wigan
The French winger struggled to make the grade at Manchester United, Newcastle and even the Latics in his time in England
ONCE hailed as Manchester United's replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, Gabriel Obertan's football journey is set to continue - in Bulgaria.
After flopping during his time at Old Trafford, then at Newcastle and even in the Championship with Wigan, the French midfielder is set to sign for Levski Sofia.
Obertan was released by Wigan at the end of last season following the Latics' relegation to League One.
He had joined up with the club on a free transfer following an unsuccessful spell with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.
Prior to this, he spent five seasons with Newcastle, making only 58 appearances and scoring twice.
In 2009 Manchester United were dealt the hammer blow as they accepted defeat in their bid to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, and he joined Real Madrid for £80million.
But United's scouts believed they had found a young and hungry player who would go on to fill those very big boots - and that man was Obertan.
He joined the club for around £3m from Bordeaux on a four-year deal.
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But during an injury-disrupted spell at Old Trafford, Obertan played only 14 times, and failed to find the back of the net.
Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary status at United cannot be questioned, but what what he ever saw in the French winger remains unknown.
According to France Football, the 28-year-old arrived in Bulgaria yesterday (Wednesday) and is in "advanced discussions" to sign a two-year deal.
Obertan has already completed a series of medical tests, confirmed his agent Jeremy Lancery.
He looks set to become the club's second "marquee signing" after Jordi Gomez, who was also on the books at Wigan, and also Swansea, signed a contract with the Bulgarians.