10 Players You Didn't Know Were On Trial At Newcastle United

4. Sun Jihai

Still playing at the ender age of 37 and considered by his fellow countrymen as one of the most important players China has ever produced, Sun Jihai had a groundbreaking career for Asian players in Europe. Moving on loan to Crystal Palace from Dalian Shide in 1998, along with teammate Zan Fhiyi, the pair became the first Chinese players to appear in the Premier League. Sun making 25 appearances and attracting the interest of a number of clubs before returning to the Jai-A League. After three seasons back home, he headed over to England again and had trails with Crystal Palace, Southampton, and, in November of 2000, Bobby Robson's Newcastle United. Despite impressing the coaching staff (Mick Wadsworth calling him a very, very good player) Newcastle baulked at the £700,000 necessary to release him from his contract in China, and it wouldn't be until nearly two years later that he'd eventually get his move, albeit to Manchester City. As with all good players though, the arrival of Sven-Göran Eriksson saw him eventually phased out, and following a brief stint with Sheffield United, called time on his career in England after 8 years. He's now back in China with Guizhou Renhe, no doubt regaling his teammates with tales of all the ridiculous things Michael Ball would say on trips to away games. Went on to: Play consistently at Premier League level for most of his career, later being subject to a £2 million bid from Newcastle. Not considered as good as: Warren Barton, Andy Griffin, Aaron Hughes.