Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is sold on signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane this summer, according to The Athletic.
The England international has had another impressive season for the north London giants, bagging 23 goals and four assists from 39 outings.
Despite this, Spurs won’t win any piece of silverware and this has led to suggestions that the striker could be tempted to move on in the summer.
As per The Athletic, Ten Hag is sold on Kane as his first-choice for the centre-forward role but it is unclear whether Spurs would cash in on him.
While he has been reportedly valued at over £100 million, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has yet to set any price for the 29-year-old whose contract expires in June 2024.
It is added that Kane’s main ambition for now remains to finish the season on a strong note with Spurs.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag will have funds to spend due to the £300m credit facility but United seem determined to avoid another Frenkie de Jong transfer saga with Kane.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos are alternatives that United could consider.
Brighton’s emerging star Evan Ferguson is also on the club’s radar but the 18-year-old would want guarantee game time. He is close to signing a new contract.
United have big striker decision to make this summer
Kane was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City two years ago but Spurs eventually convinced him to stay by emphasising that they had no plans to sell him.
The scenario looks completely different this time around. Kane will enter the final year of his contract in July and Spurs risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Hence, United have a good possibility of prising him away from north London but the big question is how long they could wait for Kane to make a decision over his future.
If the Red Devils return to the Champions League, they should be a lucrative destination for some of the best young strikers in world football such as Osimhen and Ramos.
However, it seems that Ten Hag values the experience of Kane more. Despite approaching his 30th birthday, United are prepared to offer him a lifeline to win trophies.
The Red Devils may remain patient in Kane’s pursuit but they would not want to repeat the De Jong saga and wait until August before turning their attention elsewhere.
In our opinion, the club’s hierarchy should set a deadline of around mid-July to Spurs and Kane, and should look at an alternative if there is no progress over a deal.
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