Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has revealed he came mighty close to signing for a Premier League club last summer, claiming he spoke directly with Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino.
The 24-year-old was one of the continent's most sought-after forwards following the 2015/16 campaign, after a successful two seasons with Juventus.
However, Madrid took up the option to re-sign Morata and bring him back to the Bernabeu, where he currently competes with Karim Benzema for the club's central striking position.
Morata has scored 16 goals in 35 appearances, this season. Image: PA
But things could have been very different if Los Blancos had turned down the chance to take him back to Spain, with the man himself admitting to having contact with several different coaches in England.
Speaking in an interview with the Guardian, Morata explained: "Various Premier League coaches called to tell me to play for them.
"I said yeah, I'd like to, that if I had to leave I would almost certainly go to London, but that I didn't know what Madrid would do.
"I knew they'd bring me back but I didn't know if it was to keep me or sell me.
"I spoke directly to Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte, although the norm is clubs call my dad or agent. Madrid said they didn't want to sell, so here I am."
Morata could have been making Antonio Conte react like this, this season...
In the end, Spurs ended up signing Vincent Janssen to back-up Harry Kane, whilst Chelsea snapped-up Michy Batshuayi from Marseille.
It's probably fair to say neither have worked out particularly well.
How would Morata have fared in England's top-flight? And should he still make the move this coming summer if the chance presents itself again?
Have your say in the comments section, below.
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Topics: Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Alvaro Morata, Premier League, Real Madrid