Tottenham Hotspur knew it was coming - and after much jostling for position the race to sign Harry Kane is officially underway.
The 29-year-old has a year remaining on his current contract, leaving Chairman Daniel Levy with with a critical decision as to whether he sticks or twists this summer. A sale would undoubtedly command a big fee for the club's record goalscorer, and would alleviate the risk of him walking away on a free next summer.
Thus far much of the speculation has centred around the interest of Manchester United and Real Madrid, both of whom are searching for a marquee signing to supplement their forward power. But now Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, a club who can nigh on guarantee the England captain the trophies he craves, have added a twist to the saga.
Bayern make their move with £60 million bid
Despite Tottenham denying an official bid has been submitted, reports are widespread that a £60 million bid plus add ons from Bayern Munich is, at the very least, imminent.
It's a valuation that undoubtedly falls short of what Daniel Levy will try and demand. Manchester City were ultimately priced out of a deal in 2021 by the apparent £150 million value, and despite Kane being just 12 months away from becoming a free agent, the figure wanted is likely to be much closer the three figures.
But Bayern's declaration of intent in a significant starting point. Despite winning the Bundesliga, manager Thomas Tuchel is need of reinforcements after a mixed campaign. And a message to both United and Real, who will now be aware they cannot afford to dither in their own pursuits, has been well and truly sent.
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How Kahn revealed the club's Kane 'dream'
No sooner had the final whistle blown to signal another Bundesliga triumph for Bayern, CEO Oliver Kahn was sacked.
But not before he'd made it clear that a move for Kane was one he would laud. With Robert Lewandowski having headed to Barcelona, and Serge Gnabry the top league scorer in 2022/23 with just 14 goals, a dearth in elite level goal scorers at the German giants was by then apparent.
Speaking to Sport Bild about his interest in the Premier League marksman, Kahn said: "He's under contract with Tottenham. Sure, an absolute top striker, but that's all a dream of the future."
A dream that without Kahn, the club now want to make reality.
Tottenham determined to keep Kane this summer
Whilst pressure will only intensify here, the noises from north London suggest new manager Ange Postegoglou will do everything in his power to keep his key man.
Tottenham have not only denied received a bid, but also implied they will reject any offer that does come their way. And with Levy determined not to sell to a rival in Manchester United, the onus may soon be on Real Madrid to come in with an offer that no neither the club - or the player - can refuse.
That notion may depend on the outcome of Kylian Mbappe's ongoing saga at PSG. But Postegoglou still has some factors working in his favour.
Kane's current tally of Premier League goals stands at 213, and he's bearing down on Alan Shearer's all-time record of 260. Kane could soon face the dilemma as to whether personal records are more critical to him than the chance to land silverware abroad.
