Liverpool hero Phil Thompson has recalled how close they came to sign Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Manchester United.
United reaped the rewards of signing Cristiano Ronaldo for £12m - but before that arch rivals Liverpool thought they had him for just £4m.
The now Juventus star spent six years at Old Trafford where he became one of the club's greatest players of the modern era.
The Reds were first alerted to a young Ronaldo when he impressed in a game against Porto.
Liverpool No2 Thompson later went out to dinner with agent Tony Henry where they discussed the player's price tag.
"I can still remember Tony's exact words," Thompson told The Athletic. "It was all very nice and relaxed.
"It's £4 million and it can be paid over the four years of his contract, so £1 million a year".
"That seemed very reasonable. Then I asked about the salary and Tony told me it was £1 million a year, net."
He continued: "On the Tuesday morning, we were having lunch at the training ground and it came up on the yellow strap on Sky Sports, ' Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2 million'.
"Gerard (Houllier) and myself almost choked on our food. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying, 'What the hell has gone on there?'."
