After a great Euro 96, Alan had become one of the most famous strikers in England and in the world. He finished top scorer in the tournament spearheading England to the semi finals.

In all 8 different clubs made inquiries for Alan that summer, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle, Internazionale, Juventus and Barcelona. The foreign clubs were soon put aside, Alan wanted to stay in England. And advanced talks went on with Alex Ferguson, and Alan was, at one stage closer to sign for Man United any other club.

Jack Walker had put a price tag on Alan, he couldn't leave Rovers for a penny less than £15 million! Newcastle United, the club he had supported all his life made an offer for him, they managed to come up with the fee and Blackburn Rovers just couldn't turn it down ! Kevin Keegan played a major part also in the deal, discussing tactics with Alan many times during the summer of 96. £ 15 million was a world record at the time ! Having turned him down as a kid, Newcastle were having to pay big money to bring Alan back to Tyne side.

As much as Blackburn couldn't turn down the offer... Alan was always willing to move back to his home. Kevin Keegan, who he'd idolized as a kid, had now made his dream come true.

Being a Geordie, it was easy for Alan to fit in with the fans who could really relate to him as one of them, as the local hero. Alan also fitted in perfectly with the squad, scoring 25 league goals in his very first season.

However life hasn't always been easy for the Newcastle captain, always a favourite Up North, he's had many critics on a national level, but he's always proved them wrong in the best possible way: by scoring goals.

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