Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has revealed that he was close to signing for the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus during his time at Old Trafford.

Keane played for the Red Devils between 1993 and 2005, becoming a driving force in their dominance of English football during that time, before finally leaving the club after a fallout with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the Irishman was close to leaving United on a number of occasions before that and admitted that only fear stopped him from leaving Old Trafford.

"I wouldn't say I had regrets about not going abroad but I think it would have been a nice experience to play for a different team," Keane told ITV.

"When my contract ran down on a couple of occasions, I spoke to a couple of clubs, Bayern Munich, Juventus. And yeah I was very tempted I have to say, but there was a bit of fear.

"Contracts were agreed but I just never felt strong in wanting to go for it because I was very happy at United."

Keane also expressed his belief that Ferguson's "massive ego" has had a negative effect on the club since he stepped down as manager in the summer.