Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed Real Madrid star Gareth Bale could have been playing at Anfield.

During his time at Southampton, the world's most expensive footballer is said to have attracted attention from then-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Carragher revealed: "He has come so far since making his way at Southampton.

"When he broke into their team, Rafa Benitez looked at signing him for Liverpool.

"Bale was playing as a left back then and Rafa didn't think he was any better than John Arne Riise, so he never pursued it."