Tottenham and Manchester City discussed the possible loan signing of John Stones over the weekend but a deal is unlikely to happen, according to David Ornstein.
Stones has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad in recent seasons and probably needs to leave and play more regularly if he is to win his England place back.
Meanwhile, Spurs are in the market for a centre-back – though Fabrizio Romano says a deadline day deal for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar is looking increasingly unlikely.
And if what the very reliable Orstein is reporting is true, it looks like Tottenham are looking at alternatives to Skriniar.
The Athletic journalist claims talks took place between Spurs and City on Sunday but the deal doesn’t have legs.
? Tottenham explored John Stones loan but unlikely to happen. Discussions yesterday & Man City plan to shift a RCB but hope Garcia to #FCBarcelona. Salary was also steep for #THFC – pursuing other options inc Rudiger@TheAthleticUK #DeadlineDay #MCFC #CFC https://t.co/PD0SZjoEcw
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) October 5, 2020
Among possible other reasons, Stones’ wages are thought to be too big for Tottenham, who would probably need City to pay a big chunk of the 26-year-old’s salary.
It looks like centre-back is the only position Spurs are considering strengthening on deadline day, but the chances of a new arrival now appear slim.
[…] club’s only priority on deadline day, but we have already relayed word from Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein respectively that neither Milan Skriniar nor John Stones are expected to join the club […]