Manchester United have been dealt a second major blow to their transfer plans in as many days as they face increased competition to sign Tottenham star Harry Kane.
The Red Devils have long been linked with the England captain as Erik ten Hag attempts to add a new striker to his squad. It has been suggested that Kane is seen as an ideal option given his Premier League experience, whilst Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has also been considered.
However, a deal for Kane will certainly not be easy. According to Mail Online, Spanish giants Real Madrid are ‘monitoring developments’ over his future as they too aim to add to their strike force.
Karim Benzema is expected to put pen to paper on a new deal, whilst a revised move for Kylian Mbappe remains a possibility. Kane is admired at the Bernabeu though and a move has already been discussed.
Tottenham’s club record goalscorer, the 29-year-old is out of contract in just over a year. The North London side are understood to want to keep him at the club, with Daniel Levy slapping a considerable price-tag on him.
Asked about what his future could hold, Spurs boss Antonio Conte confirmed the club’s desire to keep Kane but could not totally rule out a move at some point.
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"I think this is a question for the club,” the Italian said. “For sure the club wants to involve Harry Kane for the rest of his career, in my opinion.
"Because when you have this type of player, a world-class striker like him, you want him to stay here for the rest of his life. But then, you know football. Sometimes it's unpredictable but it's not in my task to make a decision. This is the decision for the club and for Harry."
Kane, is currently in the midst of another highly impressive season as a Spurs player. He has scored 20 Premier League goals throughout the campaign and is only second to Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
Whilst news over Real Madrid’s interest in Kane will likely be a blow for the recruitment team at Old Trafford, it is the second damaging development regarding the Red Devils’ summer targets ahead of the window opening. United were strongly linked with a move for Ten Hag’s former Ajax star Jurrien Timber following his arrival at Old Trafford.
A move did not come to fruition but the Red Devils’ interest has reportedly not waned and they could make a renewed attempt to sign him. Like Kane, they face competition from elsewhere in Europe.
German giants Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for Timber and could make a move should French defender Benjamin Pavard not put pen to paper on a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
