Toon Striker Problem - The One That Got Away?

Last updated : 30 July 2011 By Footy Mad - Editor

GR

As Newcastle boss Alan Pardew promises to bring in two new strikers ... was Rossi the "one that got away"?

He arrived at Newcastle when he couldn't get into the Manchester United first team and there was talk (for a while) that he could end up at St James' Park on a four year deal.

But Sir Alex Ferguson changed his mind, and Rossi returned to OLd Trafford.

Although considered Italian, he was born in New Jersey, USA, but he holds dual Italian and American citizenship. 

Tottenham were reported to have been interested in the Italy international but Italian giants Juventus had emerged as his most likely destination if he left Spain.

But following the sale of Santi Cazorla to Malaga, the pressure on Villarreal to cash in on the striker has eased and he will now stay with the club.