Former Heart of Midlothian owner Vladimir Romanov says he gave Craig Gordon a blank cheque to turn down a move to Celtic and stay at Tynecastle.
While the Scotland goalkeeper eventually went on to join the Parkhead side in 2014, Romanov's tactic initially worked, with Gordon remaining at Hearts until a then-record-breaking move to Sunderland in 2009.
Romanov claims that trio Steven Pressley, Paul Hartley and Gordon all had offers to join Celtic, along with manager George Burley and forward duo Rudi Skacel and Roman Bednar.
Read more:
-
Dunfermline announce Celtic hero as manager - with a humorous nod to Heathrow Airport
-
Reason Kieran Tierney didn't start for Scotland as Steve Clarke thinking revealed
Pressley and Hartley eventually made the switch across the M8, although Gordon and others stayed put after the owner's unfeigned tactic: "Your contract is running out, and I know Celtic has made you an offer, but you'll end up being their second-choice goalkeeper, not the first," Romanov told the stopper (BBC).
"If you stay and sign with us, I promise you'll play in the English league. He laughed, not taking me seriously. So, I said, 'If you don't believe me, here's a blank contract. Write down the amount you want.'
"Gordon wrote down a very large sum - something unheard of at Hearts and all of Scottish football. I looked at it, signed it, and handed it back. That's how we managed to keep him."
The now-42-year-old left Gorgie in 2009 for the Stadium of Light before going on to join Celtic in 2014 after a career break.
He spent six successful years, predominantly as the number one, in Glasgow's east end under the stewardship of Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and, for a brief spell, Neil Lennon.
"Gordon had incredible abilities, but he required a very careful approach," said Romanov.
"Psychologically, he was weak - if things didn't go well, he'd get physically sick, sometimes even vomit.
"He needed delicate handling. Despite all that, he was an exceptionally talented player. Ultimately, I sold him for £9m - at the time, it was the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper in Britain."
Gordon made his 81st Scotland cap on Thursday evening, keeping a clean sheet as Steve Clarke's side secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Greece in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League A play-off.
