Owen reveals Shearer was “inches away” from joining Liverpool

Alan Shearer would have been an excellent signing for Liverpool, even though the peak years of his career were behind him at that point.

According to former Reds striker Michael Owen, Shearer almost moved to Anfield during the back-end of his career,

During a public spat between the pair on Twitter on Tuesday, Owen questioned the Newcastle United legend’s loyalty to his boyhood club, after his former teammate criticised him:

Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate. I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out. https://t.co/ZQBrlojeEv

— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 3, 2019

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It is a revelation that has seemingly come from nowhere, with Liverpool rarely linked with Shearer down the years.

Given that Owen mentioned Sir Bobby Robson was Newcastle manager at the time, this potential move would likely have taken place in the early 2000s, during Gerard Houllier’s reign at Anfield.

By that point, Shearer has passed 30 years of age, and while still a prolific Premier League goalscorer for several more years, he was past his prime.

He would have banged in the goals for Liverpool, though, and it should be seen as a chance missed.

Shearer remains the leading scorer in the competition’s history, with 260 goals bagged in the Premier League.