Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he urged nephew Frank Lampard to sign Manchester City defender John Stones for Chelsea.

The Blues spent more than £200million on incomings, with much of that reserved for attacking talent.

However, Lampard was in the market for defensive reinforcements, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen out of favour.

Central defender Malang Sarr was signed from Nice, before instantly being loaned out to FC Porto, while Thiago Silva also arrived on a free transfer.

“John Stones...what a comeback he's made in his career," Redknapp said, during an appearance on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday.

“I texted Frank at the start of the year to be honest - but he'd already made a signing at Chelsea – saying 'what about John Stones?'

“I think he's a real talent, someone just had to get hold of him and get him playing and believing in himself.

“He's come back now and he's the best centre-half around, he's in fantastic form."