Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has disclosed that he almost joined Newcastle before signing for the Red Devils.
Rooney, who was in high demand after scoring 17 goals in 77 games as a teenager for Everton, was caught up in a transfer tussle between Toon and Manchester United.
Speaking on the on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England international confirmed that he was close to joining Newcastle before Man Utd swooped in.
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“I would have certainly went [to Newcastle].
“Manchester United wanted to wait a season and then sign me the year after they did sign me. Newcastle put a bid in and if Manchester United hadn’t come in, I would have gone to Newcastle.
“Those two were bidding against each other. My agent’s best mate was chairman at Newcastle at the time! So I’m sure he was getting nudged to try to get me as well.
“I wanted to go to Manchester United, but I spoke with Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer. In true Bobby Robson style, on the phone he called me ‘Mark’. I thought he had either forgotten my name or he was a genius – because that’s my middle name.”
