10 Players You Didn't Know Sunderland Almost Signed

2. David Beckham

The beautiful architecture and fashion capital of Europe or the cold and damp north-east or England? The chance to play with the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Ronaldinho versus the also-rans of the Premier League doldrums - step forward Lee Cattermole, Benjani and Fraizer Campbell. For both Victoria and David, the footballing world equivalent of royalty, this was a no-brainer. Not only is David Beckham a worldwide brand, but throughout his career, he was the consummate professional, despite what a flying boot from Sir Alex Ferguson would have you believe. It seemed almost silly that Steve Bruce's Sunderland would enter the fray for his services when the LA Galaxy midfielder searched for a club on the continent to keep up his match fitness in the close season.

''I used to be his skipper at Manchester United and thought my influence might work. I tried to sign Beckham 18 months ago. I did try when he went to Milan. He just said 'thanks Brucey, I'm going to Milan'. I understand that. Milan and Prada or Sunderland and Primark?'' - Steve Bruce, December 2010.

It could only ever have been a pipedream to lure the former England captain to the Stadium of Light. But one can't help but admire Bruce's bullishness as he threw the plucky underdogs' hat into the ring for the services of one of the finest professionals to have bent a football over a wall.