Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United’s ongoing pursuit of Harry Kane. The reliable reporter insists that Tottenham Hotspur are keen to keep their captain at the club but has revealed that there are conditions in which a summer transfer would be possible.
The Red Devils’ need for a striker is no secret to anyone in football, wit Erik ten Hag having been forced to loan in Wout Weghorst as an emergency stop gap in the January transfer window.
And while he has impressed with his work rate and attitude, having scored just twice in 15 appearances for United, it is clear that the Dutchman is not a long term solution.
Anthony Martial’s injury issues persist, meaning that the bulk of Man United’s transfer budget will likely be spent on a centre forward.
With Kane a Premier League proven goalscorer of remarkable quality, the England captain looksto be a fine fit for Ten Hag.
His contract – due to expire in June 2024 – opens a window of possibility for United to swoop in this summer, but Romano has warned that the situation has plenty of development to go through before a conclusion can be reached.
“We’re hearing different things about Harry Kane each day – some media outlets say he’s close to Manchester United, then a few days later they’re prioritising other striker targets,” he told CaughtOffside.
“All I can say for now is that Tottenham want to extend Kane’s contract – they will offer him a new deal and insist on keeping him, making him the face of their project.
“Manchester United really like the player, but they know Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, so the only way for this to proceed is for Kane to push for a move to Old Trafford and for Tottenham to decide they’re ready to enter into negotiations.
“At the moment there is nothing concrete, United just appreciate the player, that’s all. We’ll see what happens in the summer.”
Whether the Red Devils can convince the England striker to agitate for a move and force Spurs to the negotiating table remains to be seen.
“Still, it’s only March, so let’s see how things develop in the coming weeks and months.
In any case, Manchester United will certainly be keeping an eye on Harry Kane’s situation, just as they will be with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos, and Randal Kolo Muani.
Italy icon claims ‘world’s best player’ is signing for Man Utd with triple deal to rekindle Sir Matt Busby era
Manchester United are reportedly firmly in the hunt to sign a star currently regarded as the best player in the world game – and an former Italy star reckons a move to Old Trafford will be like having George Best back at the club.
The Red Devils have made remarkable progress in the first season under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has steered United to their first piece of silverware in six years in the Carabao Cup. And over the course of the next few days, the club will also hope to make progress in both the Europa League and the FA Cup.
Three trophies in the bag might seem a touch ambitious, but it is certainly a target that United can aim for. However, their major goal this season was to qualify once again for the Champions League; a target which now looks very much in their sights.
Ten Hag’s expertise in the transfer market has certainly got United heading in the right direction. And while he spent well over £200m in the summer window, it was the manner of the players targeted that impressed the most.
Indeed, the likes of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Antony have all made a tangible difference to United.
However, plans are already very much in place for the summer window.
As such, the United manager is reportedly ready to target a new striker, a new midfielder and a new right-back.
Much has already ben written on their striker hunt and it will be interesting to see who United pursue. To that end, reports on Thursday suggest a mega offer is now being prepped for a French striker tearing it up in Germany.
Man Utd tipped to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
However, a number of player sales could add significant funds to Ten Hag’s transfer kitty. As a result, reports earlier this season suggested six players will be allowed to leave to seriously increase United’s spending capacity.
As a result, former Italy striker Christian Vieiri believes United are beginning to show a strong interest in signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian is now rated as the best player in the world after an incredible season for Napoli. Signing for a bargain £10m over the summer, the winger has 13 goals and 15 assists from 28 appearances this season.
With a goal contribution for every match he’s played in this season, it’s easy to see why Kvaratskhelia is such a man in demand.
Now rated in the £150m bracket, it’s little surprise to see some of the world’s biggest clubs tracking his every move.
Indeed, that chase is reportedly being led by the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle.
Napoli star akin to George Best
However, Vieri thinks it will be Man Utd who make a move. And he believes his signing can rekindle magic not seen at Old Trafford since the days of Sir Matt Busby and George Best.
Ten Hag ise also on the trail of his Napoli teammates Victor Osimhen and Kim min-Jae. And Vieri can certainly see a move happening, which will be of major excitement to United fans.
“Spalletti doesn’t just say things. He said that Kim is the best centre back in the world and that Kvaratskhelia’s goal was worthy of Maradona,” he said on Bobo TV, via Calcio Napoli 1926.
“The goal he scored was the stuff of madness! If he goes to Manchester United, the days of George Best will return. Kvaratskhelia is the same [as the Northern Irish legend]. I can’t wait for Wednesday to see Napoli play.”