Richie McCormack

In the Laudrup biography, Ambassadorin Jakob Christ writes that Liverpool initially relented to the Laudrup's demands for a shorter contract.

And such was the confidence of the deal being done that Laudrup was even photographed by the Danish magazine Altum Sport wearing a Liverpool jersey.

While the Laudrups always had an eye on the finances, Michael did have a fondness for Liverpool dating back to his childhood.

And in 1986,

He'd be profiled by Shoot Magazine, proclaiming his admiration for Steve Highway and Kevin Keegan during their own Anfield heydays.

However, a phone call from Liverpool chief executive Peter Robinson would alter the course of Laudrup's career.

Quist writes that Liverpool told the family they wanted Laudrup to agree to that longer four-year deal, but the first of those years would not be on professional terms.

Michael was given a few days to think about that deal.

About Liverpool's change of heart, Loudrup would later say, Two weeks later, they came back saying they wanted to offer me the same package, but for four years, because I was still young and needed time to develop.

I was disappointed, although nothing had been signed.

We did have an agreement.

Years later, Robinson said he wanted the option to be able to just walk away after a short period if he felt things weren't working out.

From our point of view, this just did not make any business sense.

Loudrup picks up the story again, saying, I decided not to join them.

One man who couldn't believe the strength of the Laudrup's convictions was the then England manager Bobby Robson.

He said...

Speaking about squad composition at the time, Bob Paisley is quoted as saying that a team needs a boost from youngsters competing in places, and before he handed over the keys to the boot room, at least one 19-year-old would be signed.

In came one Jim Beglin from Shamrock Rovers, weeks before his 20th birthday.

But on how the future Republic of Ireland full-back was used during his first year at Liverpool, it is possible to see what might have awaited Laudrup had he opted for that move to Merseyside in the spring of 83.

Beglin had to wait until November of 84 and a one-all draw at home to Southampton under Joe Fagan for his full league debut for the Reds.