Michael Essien has lifted the lid on Liverpool's audacious failed swoop for him during his spell with former Ligue 1 outfit Bastia.
The 37-year-old midfielder, and long-standing Chelsea servant, attracted interest from a host of European clubs after emerging into the limelight in France during the early years of his career.
According to Essien, he had even visited Melwood, Liverpool's training complex, to hold talks with Gerard Houllier - but turned down the move and later joined Chelsea in 2005.
Essien spent nine successful years at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a League Cup before leaving in 2014.