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Chris Knight

Graeme Souness names the Newcastle signing Freddy Shepherd blocked for Michael Owen deal

Graeme Souness Michael Owen Freddy Shepherd Newcastle Newcastle United Real Madrid Nicolas Anelka Eddie Howe Liverpool Magpies

Graeme Souness has revealed he was close to completing a move for Nicolas Anelka during his time at Newcastle United - only for Freddy Shepherd to block the deal in favour of a club-record transfer for Michael Owen.

The Magpies turned to the Liverpool legend after Sir Bobby Robson was sacked just four matches into the 2004/05 season. The former Blackburn Rovers was seen as a disciplinarian who could bring the St James' Park dressing room under control.

Souness fell out with the likes of Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert, but guided United to the FA Cup semi-final and UEFA Cup quarter-final in his first season in charge. However, Newcastle finished a lowly 14th in the Premier League.

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