Le Tallec reveals Gunners snub

The precocious playmaker, who has already dazzled the Anfield faithful with his rich array of skills in his cameo displays for the club thus far, could well have joined Arsene Wenger's French legion at Highbury at the tender age of fifteen.

Thankfully for Gerard Houllier and Le Tallec's growing band of admirers on Merseyside, the fleet-footed Frenchman decided to remain at Le Havre before Gerard Houllier's advances finally won his much-coveted signature.

Le Tallec said: "I could have gone to Arsenal when I was 15, but Le Havre didn't want me to. I had given my word, but things didn't work out. Anyway, I think I was a bit too young then.

"Arsenal is in the past and I'm not disappointed at all. Today I'm at Liverpool and I'm very happy to have signed for them.

"I really had a good feeling about the place. It felt like a family club and it was one which has magnificent facilities. I also liked the city and what Gerard Houllier had to say."

Win Great Managers on DVD