‘I’m former Prem ace who was close MLS deal – until ex-Man Utd star stepped in’

Ex-Premier League star Ryan Taylor has opened up about the breakdown of a potential move to the MLS, admitting that a former Manchester United ace played a role.

The former footballer, who spent seven years with Newcastle, played the brunt of his career in the English top flight and after a short stint with Port Vale in League One, the Liverpool native began fielding offers, with one coming all the way from across the pond. The 39-year-old exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone that Chicago Fire were interested in him and intended to sign him.

"I was a free agent after my time with Port Vale, so I was looking to try and get a move somewhere – I was around 33 or 34 at the time, and I'm not sure how many people know this, but I actually went to Chicago with the intention of moving there," Taylor revealed. "Chicago Fire flew me out and I was basically ready to sign for them."

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‌The former full-back said the club showed him around the city and pointed out places he could live and where he could put his children into schools as he said he was ready to put ink to paper with the side. "I can't even remember how the move came about, or who sorted it out, but I've gone to Chicago, and after a day or two, I was asking them what was happening, because I was ready to sign a contract.

Despite his excitement to start a new chapter, Taylor said he was notified that the deal may not happen after all. "They had a Scottish guy out there who was working on all of the stuff behind the scenes which the manager didn't deal with. He just comes out and tells me he's not too sure the deal is going ahead," he explained.

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"What are you on about? You've flown me over here, you've put a 10 year visa in my passport and you've shown me where my kids are going to go to school…"

The former Wigan star said he admitted the honesty of the man who broke down the news that the Chicago Fire no longer wanted to sign him because they were offered the opportunity to sign former World Cup winner, Bastian Schweinsteiger.

‌"The owner – whilst you've been here – has had a phone call, and he's basically got wind that he can sign Bastian Schweinsteiger. So I'm just like alright, that's fine. No problem. But if he's signing, send me home!

"It's nice being here but I'd rather be back home! Then they went and signed Schweinsteiger. It's fine, you know, he's a massive name and so obviously they're going to take him."

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