Liverpool 'rejected' Schmeichel, Cantona

Graeme Souness has admitted he turned down the opportunity to sign Peter Schmeichel and Eric Cantona while he was manager of Liverpool.

The Scot was at the Anfield helm from 1991 to 1994 after enjoying an illustrious playing career on Merseyside.

However, success on the touchline was more difficult to achieve and although he won the FA Cup in 1992, Souness' time in charge was considered a failure after they finished sixth in both of his full campaigns.

If Souness had signed those two future Manchester United greats though things may have been different but the former tough-tackling midfielder has no regrets.

“Schmeichel wrote to me when I was at Liverpool in the early 1990s,” he told the Daily Mail. “Ron Yeats came into my office and told me there was a young Danish goalkeeper who was a Liverpool fan and was willing to pay his own travel and hotel in exchange for some time with us.

“But at the time I was trying to ease Brucey Grobbelaar out and that was proving a hassle. And I think I had just signed David James. So I thought I could do without it.

“Similar with Eric. We had played Auxerre at home and Michel Platini came to see me. He said he had a player – a problem boy but a proper player. Cantona.

“I said the last thing I needed was another problem player. I had 30-pluses that I was trying to get out so I didn’t need more hassle. I said I was looking for something else. I said no thanks."

Photo-Getty Images/Bob Thomas

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