Harry Kane has been warned that a move to Manchester United won't guarantee a first major trophy of his career.
The Tottenham strike has already cemented his place in the history books, having scored 213 times in the Premier League. Only Alan Shearer (260) has more, but the current England captain doesn't have any major silverware to accompany his feats in front of goal.
And with the north London club currently in disarray, without a manager or a sporting director, speculation over Kane's future has been rife amid links to a move to Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag has made the 29-year-old his prime target as he prepared for United's return to the Champions League next season, while Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is also an admirer.
The Red Devils will run out at Wembley for an FA Cup final clash with Manchester City, with Ten Hag chasing a domestic cup double in his first season in charge. But Sky pundit Paul Merson as sounded caution over Kane's apparent ambitions, arguing that a move to the red side of Manchester won't necessarily deliver silverware.
"He has to leave Tottenham now otherwise he's never leaving because Man City have got Erling Haaland and United and Chelsea need to buy a centre-forward this summer," wrote Merson, in his Sky column . "So, by the time Kane is a free transfer at the end of next season, everyone will have a striker.
"But I don't see him leaving Tottenham. People say he has to win trophies, the only place he can guarantee winning them is at Manchester City. If he goes to Manchester United they could easily win nothing next season."
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Amid the ongoing uncertainty over the takeover saga at Old Trafford, United are yet to submit a formal bid for Kane. And Daniel Levy is expected to demand more than £100 million for his key man, despite the risk of him leaving for nothing in the summer of 2024.
Merson added that signing Kane, who managed 30 league goals despite Tottenham's struggles in 2022/23, would almost certainly mean another top four finish for United. But he cited another stumbling block in a deal, believing Kane's personal circumstances were a significant factor.
"And what about his young family?" he asked. "You've got to weigh up this stuff as well. Everyone just looks at the footballer. He's a family man and Tottenham through and through. I'd be quite shocked if he did leave."
