Everton had to be really shrewd in the transfer market during David Moyes’ first spell at the club.
Everton didn’t have much cash to spend which forced them to be really creative in the market as they looked to sign unearthed diamonds on the cheap.
Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill are a few notable examples as they all arrived as relative unknowns but enjoyed successful careers on Merseyside.
David Moyes was heavily involved in the recruitment and often attended games himself to scout potential transfer targets.
The Scotsman was the true embodiment of a manager – making all the key decisions in every department of the club.
He even spent an entire day with a transfer target in a bid to convince him to join Everton, however, Sir Alex Ferguson hijacked the deal for Manchester United.
- READ MORE: Club hope to break their record sale with Everton eyeing summer move for ‘exceptional’ talent
Michael Owen was ready to join Everton in 2009
In an interview with Simon Jordan, Michael Owen revealed that he was ready to join Everton after being convinced by David Moyes during a game of golf in 2009.
“Now I’m thinking Everton – I’m going to get absolutely (criticised), but I was prepared to go to Everton, Owen admitted.
“I flew to America, David Moyes was on holiday, and played golf and spent a full day with him. I was a boyhood Everton fan but though I am going to be hated now – but I have got no other option.”
Owen then had a change of heart after receiving a phone call from Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson when he landed back in England.
“I landed home and literally within a day Nicky Butt phoned me and said just so you know the gaffer is going to call you. I said about what. And he said he wants to sign you.
“I was like you are joking, put the phone down and Sir Alex rang.
“I was like of course I know Liverpool fans were going to hate me (if I join Man Utd) but I was like, what can I do?”
Michael Owen admits he’s a boyhood Everton fan
Owen’s best moments came at Liverpool, where he scored 158 goals in 297 appearances.
His prolific form for the Reds saw him win the Ballon d’Or award in 2001, ahead of the likes of Real Madrid’s Raul and Bayern Munich’s Oliver Kahn.
However, perhaps unknown to many, Owen was indeed an Everton supporter growing up.
That’s part of the reason why he was happy to make the switch to Goodison Park, despite knowing it’d damage his relationship with Liverpool fans.
Ultimately, joining Man United ruined his rapport with many Reds anyway.
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