Top Ten: Football transfers that shocked the world

6) Alan Shearer

In August 1996, after the Toon Army had just witnessed their side throw away a huge 12-point lead at the summit of the top flight, Newcastle president John Hall, revitalised the hopes of the city when he signed a world record 15 million pound cheque.

After years of agony for the fans, who saw their stars being sold off, Newcastle had signed England’s number nine, their local boy from Gosforth, and one of the hottest strikers at that time, Alan Shearer.

Shearer had held talks with Manchester United too, but Keegan’s chat proved to be more persuasive, and rest is history.