Wednesday 8 October 2014 10:48, UK
Ola Toivonen, who is now on the books at Rennes, admits he regrets not pushing for a move to Liverpool in 2010.
The Swedish striker was hot property during his early days at PSV Eindhoven, with an impressive strike rate sparking inevitable transfer talk.
Various Premier League clubs were said to be monitoring his situation, with scouts from Anfield among those to be reporting back to English employers.
No deal was ever agreed, though, and Toivonen remained in Holland.
Things started to turn sour for the 28-year-old at PSV last season and the decision was taken to offload him in January.
The likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United had, however, turned their attention elsewhere and Toivonen has taken on a new challenge in France.
He told L’Equipe: “A new start might be a little too strong, but I needed a challenge.
“It’s a big change. Physically, there is a big difference. The players here are really big and tough.”
Toivonen added: “The only thing I regret from my time at PSV is that I did not fight hard enough to get the club to let me join Liverpool.
“They tabled two offers while Roy Hodgson was the coach.”
