10 Players You Didn't Know Nearly Signed For Inter Milan

2. Paul Scholes

Trying to part Paul Scholes from Manchester United is like trying to extract blood from a stone, it would appear. Recognised as one of the most influential and creative players in European football over the last 20 years, what Scholes lacked in tackling ability, he made up for in the fact that he gave the ball away so rarely. A cornerstone of the Manchester United midfield, the shy, diminutive cog was never linked with many transfers out of the club only because most European sides knew better than to irk the tetchy Sir Alex Ferguson with silly, futile bids. However, during Euro 2000, where Scholes produced a decent showing for the national side, which included a textbook header against the Portuguese, he alerted the attention of Inter Milan. Having tabled an offer of £31 million for his services in the immediate aftermath of his services, the Italians quickly had their hopes quelled first by the club, and then by the player himself.

''Yes, it is true. The story is correct. We are very much interested in signing Paul Scholes. Unfortunately for us, it appears Manchester United are not prepared to release Scholes at the moment. It is going to be very hard for us to get him.۪۪ - Massimo Moratti, July 2000.

With agent Pino Pagliara servicing as a broker to any possible deal, it quickly became apparent that the Englishman only had eyes for one love in his life, and it wasn€™t necessarily his wife.

''I told Moratti that Scholes is a €˜mission impossible€™ man. It€™s more than money with him. He was born just a few blocks away from Old Trafford. It€™s about wearing United€™s colours. United say it will only happen if the board, player and manager all agree.€™€™ - Agent Pino Pagliara, July 2000.