Everton rejected the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for just £2m from Sporting CP in 2002.

The Portuguese superstar hadn't made his big breakthrough at Sporting Lisbon just yet, but a host of teams were aware of his talent.

A new book — entitled 'Messi vs Ronaldo' — reveals that the latter could have found himself at Goodison Park, reports The Sun.

The winger was offered to the Toffees for just £2m around 20 years ago.

But Everton were focused on developing another special teenager instead.

The Toffees turned down the opportunity to sign Ronaldo as they had so much faith in their own young talent Wayne Rooney.