AS Monaco's World Cup star James Rodriguez was almost a Birmingham City player!
Barry McIntosh recalls how he recommended the Colombian to the Blues.
He told the Mirror: "James Rodriguez has lit up this World Cup for Colombia to fulfil the huge potential he showed as a kid when Birmingham nearly signed him for just £3million.
"I scouted him in 2007 at the World U17 championships and personally recommended him to Birmingham's then co-owner David Sullivan.
"A £3million deal was proposed in January 2008 when Alex McLeish was manager.
But it was aborted due to the huge problems getting the player a UK work permit.
"It is very frustrating now we have all seen what has hatched from such a fine egg!
"I recommended Rodriguez but he went to the Argentine league instead to play for Banfield which is usually an indication of a highly promising player as Argentine clubs only bring in exceptional players from abroad.
"But sadly plans to bring Rodriguez to the Premier League were blown by red tape and I fear we will continue to miss out on similar talents in future."
