I am a Liverpool legend - Sir Alex Ferguson regrets never signing me but I would not have gone

John Barnes has claimed Sir Alex Ferguson regrets not signing him for Manchester United, although he admits he wouldn't have joined the Reds regardless.

The English football icon began his youth career at Stowe Boys Club before moving to Sudbury Court. His talent was soon spotted by Watford, who signed him in 1981, and he went on to score 64 goals in 234 appearances as a left midfielder.

Liverpool took notice and secured his services six years later. During his decade-long stint at Anfield, Barnes made 406 appearances, netted 107 goals, and provided 98 assists, winning two First Division titles in the 1987/88 and 1989/90 seasons. He also lifted the FA Cup twice, claimed three Charity Shields, and won the League Cup.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Barnes had been living in England since he was 12 and represented the England national team 79 times from 1983 to 1995. He later joined Newcastle United in 1997 and ended his playing days at Charlton in 1999.

However, according to an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes, Barnes reflected on the possibility of a move to United, saying: "Was a move to Manchester United ever really close to happening?

"Not at all; you have to remember, this was 1987... Liverpool were the best team in the country - they were one of the best teams in the country. Everton were the second best team in the country, they'd just won the league. Man United weren't the Man United of 1992/93, where everything started happening for them.

"So, if there was a situation where Liverpool and Man United wanted me - or wanted anybody - you were always going to go to Liverpool... it wasn't even close. I didn't really know anything about it; Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] said later on that had they not have had Jesper Olsen,