Carlton Palmer, who left Sheffield Wednesday for Leeds United in 1994, could have ended up at Aston Villa.
Carlton Palmer has revealed to The Star that he did not want to leave Sheffield Wednesday.
The former England international midfielder was on the books of Wednesday from 1989 until 1994 when he joined Leeds United.
The 51-year-old, who started his professional club football career at West Bromwich Albion and played for Nottingham Forest and Southampton among other clubs, has revealed that he did not want to leave Wednesday.
Palmer has disclosed that Aston Villa and Leeds both matched the Owls’ valuation, but Howard Wilkinson, who was then the manager at Elland Road, hijacked the deal.
“I know there was a big uproar when I joined Leeds but I couldn’t say anything at the time because I had signed a confidentiality agreement,” Palmer told The Star.
“I didn’t want to leave Sheffield Wednesday and I actually agreed on a five-year contract. The club didn’t want to sell me but it was Trevor’s decision.
“Aston Villa and Leeds United matched the club’s valuation. I agreed to go to Villa but Howard Wilkinson hijacked the deal.”
Present day situation
Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday are two of the biggest clubs in England, and both have strong following.
Both the Whites and the Owls are playing in the Championship this season and are aiming to finish in the top six.
While Wednesday have clinched a playoff spot in each of the past two seasons, Leeds narrowly failed to finish in the top six during the 2016-17 campaign.
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