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Liverpool didn't sign Alexis Sanchez because they 'couldn't move club to London', says former CEO Ian Ayre as he reveals turned down Dele Alli because of MK Dons' asking price

Liverpool missed out on Alexis Sanchez after a deal had been struck with Barcelona in 2014 because the Chilean didn't want to relocate to Merseyside.

Former Reds chief executive Ian Ayre has spoken about the process which led to Liverpool missing out on the forward, who plumped for Arsenal instead, three years ago.

And he admitted that geography played a major part in the decision.

Alexis Sanchez turned down a move to Liverpool because he wanted to live in London
Alexis Sanchez turned down a move to Liverpool because he wanted to live in London
Former Anfield chief executive Ian Ayre has discussed the proposed deal for Sanchez
Former Anfield chief executive Ian Ayre has discussed the proposed deal for Sanchez

'There was much publicised interest in Alexis Sanchez, as part of the deal which saw Luis go to Barcelona, and that deal was done - the only reason it wasn't was that the player and his wife wanted to live in London,' he said at a lecture at St George's Hall, according to the Liverpool Echo.