Everton manager Ronald Koeman has explained why Sammy Lee did not follow him to Everton from Southampton this summer

Ronald Koeman made a move from Southampton to Everton during the summer and the Dutchman brought in the likes of Erwin Koeman and Jan Kluitenberg along with him to Goodison Park.

However, one notable name who did not follow Koeman from the South Coast of England to the Merseyside was Sammy Lee.

Lee had been working as the assistant manager to Koeman at the St. Mary’s Stadium and many were left surprised as to why the 53-year-old did not bring his trusted aide to Everton this summer.

Now Koeman has gone on to finally explain why he did not sign Lee from Southampton by stating that his Liverpool past proved to be the main obstacle.

Writing in his column for De Telegraf, Koeman stated, “Sammy has such a great history as a Liverpool player that it was difficult to take him to Everton.

“Then I’ve looked at what I could do for Sammy, but I soon noticed that his Liverpool background was a problem. It was not Sammy as a person because they may really like him.”

Lee made over 200 appearances for Liverpool during his ten year stay at Anfield and it was probably the right decision not to sign the 57-year-old by Koeman for Everton.