Liverpool missed the chance to take Cristiano Ronaldo to Anfield during the scramble for his signature in 2003, says Phil Thompson, with Manchester United swooping in as the Reds mulled over their options.
A highly-rated Portuguese forward was generating plenty of interest after bursting onto the scene at Sporting.
Several Premier League sides took the opportunity to cast an eye over Ronaldo’s potential, with Thompson sent on a scouting mission while working as assistant to Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier.
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The Reds legend was impressed by what he saw, but was unable to commit to the financial package on the table.