David Silva joins Real Sociedad after reportedly snubbing Lazio

Well, that escalated quickly.

Real Sociedad hijacked David Silva's move to Lazio on Monday, signing the 34-year-old on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Silva had agreed to join the Serie A side on a three-year contract before reversing his decision, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

Instead, the former City midfielder committed to Real Sociedad for the next two seasons.

Lazio had reportedly opened talks with Silva as early as July, and the World Cup winner was apparently interested in a move to Italy. Qatari side Al-Sadd - where Barcelona legend Xavi is currently manager - and La Liga outfit Valencia were also in the running to sign Silva.

But it seemed like Lazio had won his signature. Silva was expected to join the Biancocelesti as they embarked on their first Champions League campaign in 13 years.

La Real only qualified for the Europa League as La Liga's sixth-place finisher but managed to persuade Silva to change course.

He'll now pull the strings in San Sebastian, effectively replacing Martin Odegaard, who cut his loan spell short last week to return to parent club Real Madrid.

Silva was available on a free transfer after City were eliminated from the Champions League last week. He spent 10 years in England, winning four Premier League titles while contributing 60 goals and 93 assists in 309 top-flight appearances.