Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he tried to sign for former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.
In his column for The Sun, Redknapp wrote: "This week, I tried to sign Gareth Barry. I felt he would be a good addition for Spurs and I knew we had to make a decent offer for a top England player.
"Liverpool were also prepared to make a big offer.
"But we have both been blown out of the water by Manchester City.
"They offered a far bigger transfer fee and are giving the lad much bigger wages. We could not get near."