New Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou will sit down with Harry Kane this week as speculation mounts over the striker's future.
But the Aussie boss won't be seeking any assurances or promises to stay from the England captain. Instead, he'll underline his vision to bring success to Spurs, hoping it will be enough to persuade the club's record goalscorer to extend his 14-year stay at his boyhood club.
Postecoglou, 57, sat in front of the media for the first time on Monday since signing a two-year deal at the north London club, and inevitably had to fend off questions about Kane amid Bayern Munich having a second bid rejected by Daniel Levy and co. The press conference came just two days before the full squad returns for pre-season training.
Asked if he'd had clarification from the 29-year-old on his future, the Celtic treble-winning boss replied: “No, I haven’t had any assurances and I wouldn’t expect any assurances. For me I am trying to concentrate on what I know now and Harry is part of the squad.
“I don’t think it is my role to sit there and sort of treat people in a manner because of their circumstances. I am big on treating everyone the same. Harry is already part of the history of this club and I want him involved here. My conversation with him will be about how we can make this club successful and that is what he wants as well."
Postecgolou also played down the notion that the face-to-face talks were set to be pivotal in Kane's eventual decision. His current deal expires in 12 months time, meaning he would be eligible to leave on a free.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Bayern Munich be a good move for Harry Kane? Comment below.
“I doubt it will be defining in the manner people think," he added. "I want to introduce myself to Harry, give him my vision, get an understanding from him over what his vision is and try be successful.”
The reigning Bundesliga champions are not relenting in their pursuit though after lodging two failed offers to sign him. An initial bid of €70m (£60m) plus add-ons was turned down by Spurs, as was an improved bid of €80m (£68m) with add-ons.
That still falls short of Tottenham's valuation, which is thought to be in the region of £100 million. It's a price tag that has cooled links to Manchester United, the Red Devils instead turning their attention at Atalanta youngster Rasmus Hojlund.
