Sunday 28 December 2014 10:38, UK
Former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined the club before choosing Manchester United.
The Real Madrid superstar is favourite to retain his Ballon d’Or award as he continues to break goalscoring records in the Spanish capital.
Before his then world record move to Los Blancos, Ronaldo spent six years at United after joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
There was a deal to be done.
And Sullivan, who co-owned the Blues for 16 years, says he was offered the player for £6million, but Ronaldo snubbed the deal and opted for Old Trafford instead.
"Before he went to Man United, we were offered him for £6million, and he chose United ahead of us," Sullivan told Soccer AM.
"There was a deal to be done.
"When he first went to United there were lots of doubts about him. He wasn’t the star that he is now."
The now majority shareholder at West Ham also revealed that Sam Allardyce didn’t originally want to sign top scorer Diafra Sakho.
The Senegal striker has been a revelation since arriving at Upton Park, with his seven goals vital to the Hammers' impressive start to this Premier League season, and Sullivan has taken the credit for his capture.
"I chose Sakho, it was a complete gamble," Sullivan added.
"Without his goals, we would not be where we are.
"I was recommended him by Karen Brady’s brother this time last year, and we followed him.
"I know it was a jump of divisions, but he is very quick, and a great header of the ball.
"It was the last day of the transfer window, and Sam didn’t have a transfer target, and as much as he didn’t want Sakho, I said let’s take him."
