In truth, the man he was after was Newcastle-born Steve Bruce, who allegedly turned us down because of his commitment to Birmingham City.
Geordie Boy To Take Over At Wigan!
I bet Bruce could have his time again ... because he is about to be unveiled as the new Wigan Athletic manager.
A deal looked likely on Thursday night after Birmingham City gave the nod for Latics bosses to speak to the former Manchester United skipper.
And Wigan officials have already met Bruce's advisers to discuss his move as Chris Hutching's successor.
Bruce, who could be offered £40,000 a week, is set to take charge after six seasons at Birmingham but Wigan will have to pay the club an unconfirmed £3m compensation.
How ironic for Souness, because although he stepped over Bruce to take the Toon job, Bruce is about to do the same to him at Wigan.