What stands between Manchester United and Harry Kane

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane as their top priority for the summer transfer window.

According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils have already made initial moves in their attempt to sign the England international, who has just 12 months left on his contract at Tottenham.

However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is known to be a tough negotiator and is likely to demand a fee of at least £100 million from English clubs to part ways with his prized asset. Harry Kane can negotiate a pre-contract with European clubs from January 2024 if he does not renew his existing deal but cannot negotiate with Manchester United, or English clubs until the final month of his contract.

Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Ajax, is reportedly monitoring other targets, including a new goalkeeper and centre-back, and may be forced to look at other options if Manchester United are unable to meet Levy’s asking price for Harry Kane.

United spent over £200 million on players last summer, a figure that was reported to be significantly over budget by the Manchester Evening News. As a result, ten Hag was restricted to bringing in loan signings in January, with the club not spending on permanent transfers.

Reaching next season’s Champions League may prove crucial for United in being able to bring in ten Hag’s key targets this summer, which they are on course to achieve barring a disastrous run of results.

The club’s centre-back dilemma may have already been solved by the manager himself, as injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez forced ten Hag to turn to second-choice pairing Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire for the 3-0 Europa League defeat against Sevilla.

Luke Shaw then replaced Maguire for the FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout win over Brighton, and impressed alongside Lindelof in the subsequent 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

With Tyrell Malacia able to cover for Shaw at left-back when required and with the futures of defensive trio Maguire, Alex Telles, and Eric Bailly uncertain, United could potentially raise some much-needed funds without the need for a replacement. This could free up extra cash towards the Kane pursuit if the Red Devils decide to make a move for the Tottenham star.

However, it remains clear that United will need to pay a significant amount to secure Kane’s signature, and it could be a pursuit that drags well into the summer months.

Harry Kane has been one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers in recent seasons and has scored 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 33 league appearances this season.