Past playersNick Barmby

In doing so, he became the first player since Dave Hickson in 1959 to make the switch directly from the Blues to the Reds.

He had started his career with Tottenham Hotspur, playing three seasons there and winning England recognition. He then joined Middlesbrough at the start of the 1995-96 campaign for £6.25 million.

Only 14 months later he was on the move again, this time to Everton.

He was instrumental at the beginning of Glenn Hoddle's reign as England manager but injuries and loss of form resulted in him not appearing for England for three years, but he later made a return in the year 2000.

Barmby's career was on the rise and the biggest decision of his football life beckoned at that point. The attack-minded midfielder made a courageous choice to move across Stanley Park, and he made a powerful start to his Liverpool career - offering a useful addition on the left and right side of midfield.

His magnificent goal against Everton at Anfield made him an instant hero and he also scored in three consecutive European away games en route to UEFA Cup success in the treble season of 2000-01.

However, the following season Gerard Houllier accepted Sunderland's bid for him in October 2001. Barmby persevered, rejecting the transfer, but the writing was on the wall and Leeds United was his next destination in a much-travelled career.