Gary Neville thinks the abnormal transfer demands of other clubs meant Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Manchester United failed to land all their January transfer targets.
United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City were reported to be interested in bringing in signings over the January transfer window to plug weak spots in their squads.
There was a huge drop off in Premier League spending in January compared to 2018, with clubs only spending £140million in 2019 after £465million was spent in the previous year.
Neville told Sky Sports: “Are we surprised that Arsenal didn’t bring in a defender?
“Are we surprised Tottenham didn’t bring in a replacement for Kane, or anybody?
“The problem is, they can’t get the players available. They cannot get them. Honestly, it’s a real issue.
“Clubs are not letting go for normal prices, and clubs are now thinking: Do I go and pay over the odds in January? Am I going to get the player I want?
“I genuinely believed Arsenal would have strengthened more than they have done if they believed something was available.”
Neville added: “Would Manchester United have brought in Raphael Varane, or Harry Maguire for example, if they believed they were available for decent prices in this transfer window?
“One hundred per cent they would.
“Would Manchester City have brought in a left-back, the one they wanted? Of course they would. But they’re not there, they can’t get them!
“They would have tried, asked the question, made the noises underneath with the agents and the scouting departments, but they’re just not there.
“It’s a real problem, the market is stuck in some ways.”