Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is understood to be ‘sold on’ signing Harry Kane this summer.
Ten Hag has made the signing of a forward his priority for the summer transfer window and United have been linked with various options across Europe. Kane has emerged as a ‘plausible’ target for the Red Devils as the England captain approaches the final season of his contract at Tottenham.
The 29-year-old is understood to be relaxed on his situation and has not ruled out recommitting his future to Spurs, but the north Londoners appear set for another rebuild as the club assess candidates to replace Antonio Conte as manager.
Kane has failed to win team honours in his career to date and is set for a major decision on his future this summer. Spurs are desperate for the club’s record goalscorer to sign a new deal, but have not won a major trophy since 2008 and Kane – who turns 30 this summer – might feel now is the time to move on in a bid to fulfil his personal ambitions.
Spurs are expected to demand a fee of around £100m for Kane from interested clubs, though run the risk of losing the forward as a free agent in 2024. The Athletic are reporting that Ten Hag has made Kane his first choice target and United are conducting work on whether the transfer is feasible, but are cautious about being dragged into a lengthy summer saga.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has history in dragging deals towards the end of the transfer window, in the belief it gives the selling club more leverage in talks. United are keen to conduct their business early, following the failed pursuit to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong last summer.
United are assessing alternatives should a move for Kane not materialise, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani all under consideration.
