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Former Liverpool winger John Barnes has explained how Sir Alex Ferguson told him he considered signing the Reds legend for Manchester United.

Back in 1987, Barnes swapped Watford for Merseyside, joining the Reds who were then managed by Kenny Dalglish.

In his first season at Anfield, Liverpool won the league title, with Barnes scoring 15 goals in 38 games.

The season after they finished runners up to Arsenal after they snatched the title away on the final day of the 1988/1989 campaign, with the Gunners winning 2-0 at Anfield thanks to goals from Alan Smith and Michael Thomas.

But, the season after, the Reds and Barnes got back to their title winning ways.

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Following a down season the year prior, where he scored eight goals in 33, Barnes was back to his best, enjoying statistically the best season of his career.

He netted 22 goals in 34 league games, helping the Reds to their final domestic title before Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool claimed their 2019/20 Premier League crown.

However, things could have been different for Barnes and Liverpool had Sir Alex Ferguson pursued him harder.

And the 60-year has revealed Fergie told him had they not had Jesper Olsen on their books, they would have looked at signing Barnes from Watford prior to his move to Merseyside.

Barnes exclusively told Ladbrokes, the official betting partner of Liverpool FC: "Was a move to Manchester United ever really close to happening?

I'm no different to hundreds of players who either went to Man United, or didn't."

Liverpool.com says: "We're just glad Fergie persisted with Jesper Olsen over signing John Barnes
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