Harry Redknapp expected Man Utd, Chelsea or Arsenal to sign John Stones from Man City

The Stones, who has 19 appearances for England, was strongly linked to a departure from Etihad over the summer.

Manchester City spent more than £ 50 million when they signed the Stones from Everton in 2016, but have struggled to cement a place in the starting eleven under Pep Guardiola.

However, former Tottenham manager Redknapp believes the Stones is a ‘real player’ and says he hoped Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal would secure his signature.

“Manchester United wanted to sign Jadon Sancho and that never happened,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

‘The new left back [Alex Telles] it sounds like he’s a good player. But he still thought they needed a new central defender. They needed that and that didn’t happen.

I’m surprised someone didn’t take John Stones. I am a great fan. I think he is a real player.

“If someone gets hold of it and has some confidence in it, they have all the tools. I like it personally.

Someone like Arsenal, Chelsea. It’s a mixed bag for Manchester United. Ole needs players for now, not tomorrow.

‘It is not a five-year plan. If you have a losing streak of results, you are out. I needed players for now. They needed a middle half now. ‘

While Manchester United did not sign the Stones, they did close the deadline day deals for Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles, Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri.

Meanwhile, Arsenal completed a surprising £ 45 million contract for Thomas Partey.

Chelsea were unable to reinforce Frank Lampard’s squad on the day of the deadline, but had already spent over £ 200 million on players like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.