Manchester City targeted Xabi Alonso during the summer of 2009 when he was leaving Liverpool.

City was beaten by Real Madrid, who offered Alonso a chance to play in Spain.

"Of course there were many players we wanted and couldn't get. There was also players offered to us who we didn't want," explained former head of player acquisition Mike Rigg.

"Naturally, we came close to big signings. There are loads and loads of players who I could name that we missed out on.

"I remember we came close to bringing in Xabi Alonso when he was on his way out of Liverpool. He was a player that we really liked and decided to target."

City had finished 10th in the Premier League during the 08-09 season and had already signed Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Robinho, Nigel de Jong and Craig Bellamy.

"We could have put more money into it than Real Madrid," said Rigg, alluding to the type of contract the Abu Dhabi-based ownership was willing to fund. "That wasn't a problem. Persuading the player was the issue."

City settled for buying Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.