Aston Villa have made a number of high-profile signings throughout their history, with Dwight Yorke, Juan Pablo Angel and Philippe Coutinho among the most famous names to have graced the turf at Villa Park.
Given their reputation and establishment as a consistent Premier League outfit, the Villans have attracted their fair share of renowned superstars from around the globe, but not every deal has been concluded.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, which will inevitably mean more rumours circulating online and a list of players linked with the club, BirminghamWorld has been looking back in time at moves that weren’t quite pulled off.
With that in mind, here are nine players who were on the verge of joining Villa but failed to put pen to paper - and the reasons the transfers never happened.
1. The 9 most incredible Aston Villa transfer links in club’s history that fell through
Here’s a trip down memory lane at some of the most bizarre transfer stories in Villa’s recent history. And yes, that’s Andy Cole with a gun. We’re not quite sure either.
2. Radamel Falcao - 2008
The Mirror reported Falcao was being heavily tipped for a move to Villa Park when he was valued at just £5-6 million. This was judged too much for the player, however, who was at River Plate in Argentina at the time.
3. Robbie Keane - 1999
Although the Irishman did eventually play for Villa later in his career, there was an attempt to sign him as a youngster when he was at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Around £6 million was offered but Wolves were holding out for £6.5 million, so then manager John Gregory pulled the plug.
4. Roberto Carlos - 1995
Former club chairman Doug Ellis wrote in his 1998 autobiography that Villa were very close to signing the legendary Brazilian left-back after a Brazil vs Sweden friendly at Villa Park. Head coach Brian Little wasn’t enthusiastic about the deal, though, and pulled out.