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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen & Hannah Pinnock

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness names player he wanted to sign instead of Michael Owen

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has revealed he wanted to sign Nicolas Anelka at Newcastle United over Michael Owen.

The former Red, now pundit, was manager of the Magpies between 2004 and 2006 and guided them to a FA Cup semi-final and UEFA Cup quarter-final in his first season with the club. They spent big money on signings the following summer, including a club-record deal at the time for Owen.

Souness has revealed he instead wanted to sign Anelka, who was playing in Turkey at the time. When asked about the deal for Owen and whether he had a say in the transfer, the Scot admitted former owner Freddy Shepherd had the final ruling.

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