Manchester United will reportedly fail with any bid for Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane this summer.
The long-serving frontman will soon have just one year remaining on his contract, naturally leaving Spurs at risk of losing their most prized asset on a free transfer in 2024.
Spurs had initially hoped that European qualification, particularly for the Champions League, would convince the 29-year-old to sign fresh terms.
However, either side of Antonio Conte's exit as head coach, Spurs' form dropped off to such an extent that they could only finish in eighth position in the Premier League standings.
With no continental football on offer, it appears increasingly likely that Kane will give no consideration to penning a new contract with the North Londoners.
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The England captain ended the top-flight campaign with 30 goals to his name, maintaining his stock as one of the best strikers in world football despite his lack of silverware.
While a number of clubs may be willing to pay in the region of £100m for Kane, it has been perceived that Man United is his most likely destination this summer.
Nevertheless, according to The Mirror, chairman Daniel Levy has no interest in negotiating a deal with his counterparts at Old Trafford, regardless of the risk of losing Kane for nothing in the future.
Levy will allegedly not be tempted into selling to a club that they perceive to be a Premier League rival, even though United finished five places above them in 2022-23.
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The report indicates that Levy would rather have Kane at his disposal to try to get Spurs back into Europe, despite the possibility of missing out on up to a £100m transfer fee.
Although the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been suggested as potential options, a big-money bid may be unlikely given the prospect of starting pre-contract negotiations in January.
Spurs are currently without a permanent head coach and sporting director, and the recruitment of one of their preferred candidates may hinge on whether Kane remains with the first-team squad.
Interim head coach Ryan Mason, who is not expected to stay in the role, has acknowledged that the Spurs hierarchy have a number of 'important decisions' to make in the short and long term.
Darren Plant
