Alan Shearer has recently revealed on a podcast that Newcastle United almost pulled off a surprising move by signing one of the world’s top attackers from Manchester United some years ago.
Despite Shearer’s own prowess as a top striker for Newcastle, the club was keen to bolster their attacking lineup with another star player, specifically one of the game’s most intriguing young prospects at that time.
Speaking to The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer asserted that Newcastle had “definitely” made an offer for Wayne Rooney at the beginning of his tenure at Old Trafford with Manchester United.
“Newcastle did put a bid in for him when he was at Man United. Definitely a bid went it for him. It would have been great but I don’t think realistically it was ever going to happen,” Shearer said.
Rooney joined Manchester United at the age of 18, at the dawn of his career, already esteemed as one of the Premier League’s finest players, whereas Shearer was approaching the culmination of his own career.
The former England striker ultimately surpassed the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton to claim the title of Manchester United’s all-time leading goal scorer. As a key figure in one of English football’s most triumphant eras under Sir Alex Ferguson, the former England international solidified his place in the club’s storied history.
Newcastle will always ponder the potential outcome, given Rooney’s unparalleled talent and lasting legacy as one of England’s greatest players.