Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly growing increasingly confident about their chances of tying Harry Kane down to a new contract.
The England captain's future dominated the talk of the transfer market in the summer of 2021 as he tried and failed to force an exit from the North London club.
Kane was thought to have been the subject of a nine-figure bid from Manchester City, but Daniel Levy refused to entertain bids for the 29-year-old.
Kane and Tottenham proceeded to struggle for form under Nuno Espirito Santo before reigniting their season under Antonio Conte, who led Spurs back into the Champions League.
Speculation surrounding Kane's future has quietened down since Tottenham's revival, but his existing contract in North London is due to expire in under two years' time.
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Having improved their fortunes on the pitch under Conte, Tottenham are now prioritising a contract renewal for Kane, who has been the subject of public interest from Bayern Munich.
According to The Athletic, Tottenham are now more optimistic than they have been for 'some time' about their chances of agreeing fresh terms with Kane, who is feeling the happiest that he has been at the club for 'years'.
However, the report adds that Spurs are yet to hold concrete talks with the striker over a new contract, but he hinted last season that he would be willing to stay on if Conte remained in charge.
"There is still a lot of work to do. I think the improvement has definitely been there since the gaffer came in to where we are now," Kane told the Evening Standard.
"It shows it can be done in a short space of time, but obviously we will see what happens over the summer and look forward to the next season with a great manager. Hopefully we've learnt a lot since he's been here.
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"I have no idea [about Conte's future] to be honest, that is his decision. But he has worked really hard while he has been here, he's a great guy, a really passionate man so whatever his decision is you have to respect it. But for sure I am enjoying it and I know the boys are enjoying working with him.
"I have said I am a big fan of his and we get on really well so of course it would be great for the club if he stays. But like I have said that is his decision, he's his own man, and I'm sure he will talk to the club and decide on his future. From our point of view we are all enjoying working with him."
Kane has now struck a total of 247 goals and 59 assists in 386 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions and will aim to get off the mark for the new campaign in Sunday's London derby with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Should the England skipper net in the capital clash, he will equal Sergio Aguero's record of the most Premier League goals for a single club with 184, which the Argentine set with Manchester City.
Following an admission of interest from Bayern chiefs Oliver Kahn and Julian Nagelsmann, Conte hit out at the pair's "disrespectful" comments as he seeks to retain Kane's services for the long term.
Ben Knapton
