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Manchester United ex-chairman Martin Edwards on five monster signings that got away

Zinedine Zidane, John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer could have been Old Trafford legends

MANCHESTER UNITED honorary president Martin Edwards has revealed five potential mega deals the club just couldn't drag over the line.

They involved World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, and England stars John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

 Martin Edwards has revealed the names of five players 'who got away'
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Martin Edwards has revealed the names of five players 'who got away'Credit: PA:Press Association

Former United chairman Edwards says these failed deals were his biggest regrets in the transfer market.

All five targets made a major impact with other clubs and their countries.

Had things worked out differently maybe they they could have become United legends instead.

Edwards put some meat on the bone whilst discussing the issue with MUTV.

 Zinedine Zidane was lined up at one stage
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Zinedine Zidane was lined up at one stageCredit: EPA
 So, too, was John Barnes who made it big with Watford and Liverpool
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So, too, was John Barnes who made it big with Watford and LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Promoting his new book 'Red Glory', Edwards said:

"Paul Gascoigne was certainly one [we missed out on].

"We thought he was coming but he decided to join Tottenham. I think there were certain last-minute inducements involved.

"I'd done the negotiations for Alan Shearer and again, I thought he was coming.

"But [Blackburn owner] Jack Walker was very adamant he wasn't coming to Manchester United.

"It was a case of 'over my dead body' but he allowed him to go to Newcastle.

 Paul Gascoigne was certainly another that got away
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Paul Gascoigne was certainly another that got awayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Jack Walker was adamant Alan Shearer wasn't going to Old Trafford, He joined Newcastle instead
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Jack Walker was adamant Alan Shearer wasn't going to Old Trafford, He joined Newcastle insteadCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Manager Ron Atkinson wasn't interested in Gary Lineker
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Manager Ron Atkinson wasn't interested in Gary LinekerCredit: Getty - Contributor

"Gary Lineker, as you know, was going to sign for Everton and his agent Jon Holmes rang me on the day and said:

"'We're about to go on the train to sign for Everton but his first choice would be Manchester United, if you want him to come.'

"I put it to Ron [Atkinson] and he said: 'I've got four strikers already. The last thing we need is another striker.'


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So we passed on that one.

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