Chronicle Editor
HARRY Kane would need to drive any exit from Tottenham with the club maintaining the striker is not for sale, despite him approaching the final year of his contract as Manchester United target his signature.
There is growing concern at Spurs that their record goalscorer will not sign fresh terms amid the turbulence engulfing the club following the World Cup.
Ryan Mason has become Tottenham’s second caretaker manager in less than a month after the sacking of Cristian Stellini, who stepped in when Antonio Conte was relieved of his duties in March.
Amid the upheaval in the dugout, Fabio Paratici resigned as managing director of football after losing an appeal in
Italy against his 30-month ban from the game.
The situation has encouraged Kane’s suitors, with United chief among them but the Old Trafford side will not enter a war of attrition with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
His stance is England’s captain is not on the market this summer regardless of whether he agrees a new deal or where Tottenham finish in the league.
It is well established that United are long-term admirers of Kane and recruiting a top forward is their priority for the summer.
As previously reported by Sky Sports, they would “absolutely explore a deal” if everything aligned and Spurs switched from obstinate to being open to business. However, there is no appetite for a drawn-out transfer saga in such an important position.
Manager Erik ten Hag wants a forward recruited as early as possible and his ideal scenario is to have new signings in place for the bulk of pre-season.
As such, United have cast a wide net over possible options, with Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos, Lautaro Martinez, Dusan Vlhaovic and Mohammed Kudus among those being assessed.
Given the stance of both Tottenham and United, the onus would be on Kane to smooth a departure if that is what he desires.
His ambition to mesh his goalscoring records with silverware remains as strong as ever. Levy insists that can still happen at Spurs but also underscored the appeal of being a club legend.
During a recent discussion at The Cambridge Union Society, Levy said: “He can absolutely win a trophy at Spurs, but being a legend is also important.
“The fact that he’s the top scorer for Tottenham Hotspur, he’s making history. I hope one day there is a statue of Harry Kane outside our stadium.” — SkySport
Online Reporter