Wayne Rooney has revealed he nearly joined Newcastle United for a season - because Manchester United were going to wait a year before a transfer.
Rooney joined the Red Devils as an 18-year-old back in 2004 and went on to become a club legend.
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But it could've gone very differently for the forward.
He told the UTD Podcast that United were planning on waiting until 2005 to make a move and due to Everton's financial issues, Rooney was willing to join Newcastle for a year before sealing a move to Old Trafford.
"Once I knew they [Manchester United] did want to sign me, it was the only club [for me]," the interim Derby County manager begun.
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"It was a perfect fit for me. United actually wanted to wait a year, until the following year, but then Newcastle came into talks with Everton and with myself. I'd gone too far then. I couldn't wait another year, I couldn't stay another year at Everton, so I was prepared to go to Newcastle for that year.
"I spoke to them, we spoke about the salary and what I wanted. [I told them if] I went there and Manchester United came in, they'd have to let me go.
"Newcastle were agreeing to that but obviously, with United, I went back to them and said, if you don't do it now, I'll go to Newcastle with a clause in place. United obviously didn't want me to go there so I came here.
"It was basically whatever Newcastle paid for me, United would have paid a year later."
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Rooney then went on to reveal Chelsea were willing to pay more for him, but word of interest from Sir Alex Ferguson had caught his attention.
"I knew it [joining United] was an option before Euro 2004," Rooney added. "I knew Manchester United wanted to sign me.
"I think going to the Euros, and doing well there, probably added a bit more money onto the transfer fee but I broke my foot and found out a few things.
"Everton were really struggling for money at the time and I found out they were listening to offers from people as well.
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"They were trying to push me to sign for Chelsea because they were going to pay the most money. But, once I knew United were interested, I wanted some confirmation that they did want to sign me."
During 13 years at with United, Rooney won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League.
Rooney is also England's top scorer with 53 goals in addition to being the Three Lions' second-highest appearance maker, with 120 caps.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images & Manchester UnitedTopics: Football News, Chelsea, Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, Newcastle United, Wayne Rooney