Harry Redknapp has admitted that Tottenham tried to buy Blackburn’s Phil Jones.
The highly-rated England Under-21 defender is reported to be undergoing a medical ahead of a £16million move to Manchester United.
Redknapp told Sky Sports News: “I tried to sign him, we tried to buy him at Tottenham to be truthful.
“We were in for him, along with about five other top clubs. I think everybody was in for the boy.
“I think he’s a lad who’s got the potential to go on one day maybe to be certainly an England centre-half and maybe even a captain of England I think he’s that good so it’s a great signing for Man United.”
While Redknapp agreed the reported £16 million transfer fee was big money, he believes United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is going to acquire a quality.
“I think you’ll find almost all the top teams have been in for him and obviously he had a choice and he’s made up his mind that Man United was the move for him,” he said.
“He will be a great signing I think for Man United.
“He’s good, which is the key. He’s got everything, he’s quick, he’s strong, looks a great lad so I think Alex has pulled off a real coup.”