It was one of Manchester United's biggest mistakes, and the good fortune of Newcastle United and Liverpool, that Peter Beardsley was allowed to leave Old Trafford after making a solitary senior appearance.
The Red Devils let a Geordie gem slip through their fingers, one who would eventually shine on the ultimate stage with England. Gary Lineker, who scored 48 goals for his country, rated Beardsley his best strike partner.
Beardsley, a product of the famous Wallsend Boys' Club, was snapped up by Carlisle United in 1979.
They sold him to Vancouver Whitecaps two years later for £275,000, but he was loaned back and helped Carlisle into the old Second Division.
On his return to Canada, Beardsley scored in a friendly against Man. United - only 13 seconds after Ron Atkinson's side had kicked off! Beardsley was signed for £250,000, but his only appearance came in the League Cup. He rejoined Vancouver, but Newcastle signed him for £150,000 in 1983 and his 20 goals in 35 games helped them to promotion to the top flight.
His partnership with Lineker was forged at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where he scored against Paraguay.
He moved to Liverpool in 1987 for a then-British record £1.9m and, in his first season, won the first of two League titles.
A surprise defeat by Wimbledon denied Liverpool the double. They suffered the same fate a year later in the club's most traumatic season.
The Hillsborough disaster forced The FA Cup Semi-Final with Nottingham Forest to be abandoned. Liverpool beat Merseyside rivals Everton in a fitting Final tribute, but Arsenal pipped them to the title with a last-gasp goal.
Beardsley was a title winner again in 1990, and went on to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup with England.
He moved to Everton in '91, but two seasons later rejoined Newcastle under Keegan, and with Andy Cole formed a phenomenal partnership which produced 73 goals in 57 matches.
Kenny Dalglish replaced Keegan and sold Beardsley to Bolton in '97. He was loaned to Manchester City and Fulham, then joined the Cottagers on a short-term deal before ending his playing career at Hartlepool United. He now coaches at Newcastle's academy.