Axel Witsel has admitted he could have been close to a Premier League move in the past - naming Everton as a potential destination six-years after the deal fell through.
The midfielder’s contract with Borussia Dortmund came to an end at the close of last season after four years and 145 appearances for the Bundesliga club across all competitions. Several teams across Europe were interested in signing him on a free transfer, with Spurs named as a potential suitor back in May.
But the 33-year-old instead went to Spain to join up with Atletico Madrid in July, starting every game for Diego Simeone’s side so far this season. And asked whether a move to England was ever on the cards in the past, the Belgian pointed back to the summer of 2016 and a failed move to Everton.
