9 Reasons Why Alan Shearer Chose Newcastle Over Manchester United

8. Newcastle Were Quoted £15 Million... But Man United Were Told To Stump Up £25 Million

For many years it was believed that Jack Walker told Newcastle they could have Shearer for a then-world record fee of £15 million, but Man United would have to stump up £20 million for the honour. However, Shepherd revealed in 2014 that this was not the case. The former Magpies chairman claims both Newcastle and Man United had originally agreed not to go above £10 million as they fought to sign Shearer - but then Walker called. Walker told Shepherd Newcastle would have to pay £15 million - but Man United would be forced to cough up £25 million. Shepherd explained that the conversation went as follows in an interview with The Chronicle:

"Jack said: 'It's £25 million to Man U but for you it's £15 million!' "He wanted the deal done straight away and the money up front - and that's how the deal was done."

Walker had effectively held Man United to ransom - and he wanted Shearer to join Newcastle and not the Red Devils. The Blackburn chairman essentially priced Man United out of the market.