Robbie Savage has revealed he had the opportunity to join Everton in 2005.

The Welsh midfielder was at the time with Birmingham City, but he decided to snub the Toffees and instead link up with compatriot Mark Hughes at Blackburn Rovers.

"When I signed for Blackburn, Everton came in with a similar bid," Savage said. "But it was just the fact that Mark Hughes, who was my idol growing up, was manager at Blackburn."

The 34-year-old made 76 league appearances for Rovers before joining Derby County in 2008, where he will stay until retiring when his contract ends in 2011.

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!