Harry Kane is reportedly open to agreeing a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur in a crushing blow to Manchester United 's hopes of signing him.
The England captain, 29, has entered the final 18 months of his current deal with Spurs and recent reports suggested that United were keen on taking advantage of his situation. Kane is currently due to go into the summer transfer window with only a year left on his contract, a predicament which has prompted the Red Devils to prepare a lucrative offer in the hope of striking a deal.
Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag, however, the Athletic claim that the Tottenham striker is now ready to sit down with club chiefs and discuss fresh terms, as his priority is still succeeding with his beloved Spurs. If an agreement can be reached, then Kane will extend his 19-year association with Tottenham and force United to move down their striker shortlist.
It's no secret that manager Ten Hag is searching for a marquee addition to his attack in the summer, having brought in Dutch striker Wout Weghorst on a half-season loan earlier this month. Anthony Martial is the only other recognised senior striker at Old Trafford, following the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November.
Although it's widely agreed that Ronaldo's exit will help the Red Devils in the long term, there's now a gulf becoming apparent at the top end of the pitch. Martial's inconsistent performances and injury issues have prevented him from nailing down the No.9 position, and at 33, Weghorst isn't the answer Ten Hag is looking for.
Kane, despite being 30 by the time next season rolls around, had been a tempting proposition for United given his unquestionable goalscoring ability and Premier League experience. Now, though, England's soon-to-be all-time record goalscorer looks set to stay at Spurs unless the club drop a clanger in negotiations.
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Having missed out on signing for Manchester City in the summer of 2021 due to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy 's lofty demands, Kane enjoyed a strong season under boss Antonio Conte last time out and helped his side qualify for the Champions League. This campaign has been a different story, with Conte's future in flux and despite Kane's 15 league goals in 20 appearances, Spurs sit outside the top four at the halfway stage.
Kane's links to the Red Devils even prompted an outburst from a frustrated Conte last week, as he hit out at a reporter for asking about his striker. "When we organise the press conference with the club [hierarchy], you can ask that," the Italian began.
"You can put this question to the club, OK. Keep this question for the future and I hope for you it happens one day that you can make this question to the club. Why do I have to answer this question? It's not disrespectful from you but I repeat: we are always telling you the same thing."
