10 Players You Didn't Know Nearly Signed For Middlesbrough

10. Emile Heskey

Emile Heskey - cumbersome oaf or misunderstood genius? There is no denying that he often possessed the touch reminiscent of somebody who had just woken from a slumber and had a ball instantly pinged in their direction. His mobility was called into question on countless occasions, as he thundered around Premier League pitches, and the less said about his finishing, the better. However, with that said, Heskey did have a knack of bringing out the best in a pacy strike partner and on his day, was one of the most ferocious and beastly centre-forwards in the top-flight of English football. After all, he didn€™t collect over 60 England caps for nothing. Ten years ago, Heskey€™s future was in doubt at Anfield, and Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren was keen to capitalise. The two clubs began negotiations for the bustling centre-forward in January 2004, but within a few days it became clear to the Boro boss that it was a chase destined to end in failure.

''I have seen what has been said at Liverpool but we did have talks and an enquiry was made. However, they didn۪t want to sell him and that looks like that is that with that one.۪۪ - Steve McClaren, January 2004.