Liverpool bosses 'choked' after transfer fell through at the last minute

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Both Premier League clubs are seeking new forwards this month, with the Red Devils having previously emerged victorious when going toe-to-toe with the Reds in the pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.The 41-year-old - who is presently representing Portugal at his sixth World Cup - came close to moving to Liverpool in 2003 for merely £4million. It's £4million and it can be paid over the four years of his contract, so £1million a year.

That seemed very reasonable."Then I asked about the salary and Tony told me it was £1million a year, net." The Reds were oblivious to Sir Alex Ferguson's interest in Ronaldo as well as the Scotsman's endeavours to land the youngster, who had caught the eye against United that same summer in a friendly.The influence of Ferguson proved decisive as Ronaldo ultimately snubbed Liverpool and other suitors to put pen to paper at United. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying, 'What the hell has gone on there?'" Ronaldo's arrival helped United reclaim their position at the summit of world football, claiming the Champions League five years later alongside three consecutive league titles during his six-year spell in Manchester.Ronaldo departed Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80m.

Having become the Spanish giants' all-time leading scorer, he moved to Juventus in 2018 before making a celebrated return to United three years later.A bitter exit followed 15 months later after his falling out with Erik ten Hag, subsequently joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr a month afterwards. Ronaldo continues to be a key figure for Portugal at the age of 41, with the World Cup 2026 anticipated to be his final appearance at the tournament.Liverpool and United have both expressed interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer, with the Reds presently leading the race to secure the Ivory Coast star.