10 Most Surprising Transfers In Premier League History

2004 would see one of the most heart wrenching and surprising transfers we have ever seen in England, as Leeds born and bred striker Alan Smith was almost forced into a move to Manchester United.

As Leeds were relegated at the end of the 2003/04 campaign, the club were in dire need of finances or faced a winding up order and the potential of going out of business all together.

Smith, the homegrown star of the team and pictured crying when the club's relegation was confirmed, had earlier in the season publicly stated he would never sign for Man United - Leeds' long term rivals.

However, faced with the prospect of seeing his club go under or moving on, Smith opted to sign for United in a £7m deal which shocked football, but ultimately saved Leeds.

Smith spent three years at Old Trafford, picking up a Premier League title and League Cup in the process before a horror injury curtailed his progress. For Leeds and Man United fans especially, it remains one of the biggest surprises they have seen in terms of transfers.