Bayern Munich have reportedly initiated contact with the entourage of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.
The England captain was widely expected to complete a transfer away from North London last year after ending another season without a trophy to his name.
Kane has now turned 28 without winning a major piece of silverware, but there has since been increased optimism within the Spurs ranks about their chances of keeping the striker on the books.
Tottenham qualified for the Champions League last year following the arrival of Antonio Conte and have dipped into their war chest to secure the signings of Djed Spence, Richarlison and Yves Bissouma this summer.
Kane has previously hinted that he would be willing to remain at Tottenham so long as Conte was in charge, and a new deal for the Englishman is now said to be in the works.
© Reuters
Kane's current deal is due to expire in 2024, though, meaning that Tottenham could end up in a tricky position if they fail to agree fresh terms with their star striker before next summer.
Bayern Munich have made no secret of their admiration for Kane over the past week, and according to German outlet Bild, the Bundesliga side have now touched base with the striker's agents.
Julian Nagelsmann's side are allegedly weighing up a move for the 28-year-old next summer, and his representatives have not shut the door on a future move to the Allianz Arena.
Nagelsmann and Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn have both left the door open for a future swoop for Kane, with the former recently telling reporters: "He's very expensive that's the problem - but a brilliant player.
"[He's] one of the best forwards. [He's] perhaps one of two or three who can play as a centre forward [as well as a] No 10, but he's very strong, brilliant with [his] head and both feet.
"He could score a lot in the Bundesliga, I don't know the price, but it's really tough for Bayern Munich. We'll see what happens in the future."
© Reuters
Nagelsmann's comments did not go down well with Conte, who branded the German champions "disrespectful" over their public declaration of interest during his own press conference at the weekend, saying: "Honestly I didn't hear this. For sure I'm a coach who doesn't talk about players from other teams.
"I don't know why [this happened]. The situation at Tottenham is very clear. The plan is very clear with the club. Harry is a part of the project. He is a very important part of the project and yeah only rumours.
"At the same time, I don't like to speak about players from another club. If I want to do something I go to speak to the club, not through the media.
"I think maybe it's a bit disrespectful for the other club. This is my way. This is my way to face the situation with other players."
Kane was at the double to help Spurs beat Rangers 2-1 in their penultimate pre-season friendly at Ibrox on Saturday and has now amassed 247 goals in 385 competitive matches for the North London club.