Juventus hero Fabrizio Ravanelli has revealed he came close to joining Liverpool and Tottenham during his playing career.

In 1998, the Italian had just suffered relegation from England's top-flight with Middlesbrough, but despite the disappointing end to the season, the forward still had a number of clubs interested in securing his signature.

“I was very close to joining Liverpool and Tottenham," he told The Athletic. "I tried for one month over the possibility with my agent to sign for Manchester United but it did not happen.

“But Liverpool was a real opportunity. The Liverpool manager Roy Evans called me when I was on holiday in the summer and said he wanted me to join the club. I said, 'OK, no problem.'

“After, I have no idea why, it did not happen. Liverpool, at that moment, I think it would have been a great move for me."

The Italy international would go on to leave England that summer, signing for French side Marseille.