Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed he was in the hunt for Manchester City new boy Gareth Barry.

The England midfielder joined Mark Hughes' side from Aston Villa for £12million earlier this week.

"This week, I tried to sign Gareth Barry," Redknapp told The Sun. "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."

He added: "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."

Barry became the first of what is expected to be a clutch of big-money City signings this summer, and Redknapp believes their financial clout could help them win the Premier League title before long.

He added: "It wouldn't surprise me if they won the title quite soon as they seem to have more money than everybody else."

Redknapp also hit out at the money in football, saying: "While I benefit from a good wage, I'm embarrassed about it, to be honest. A lot of people in football are embarrassed."