Conte faces first Tottenham ‘battle’ amid huge transfer update over Harry Kane future
Harry Kane is set to be the subject of a new approach from one of his prime suitors in the January transfer window, according to a report from a respected source.
Kane was front and centre of transfer news in the summer as he considered his future at Tottenham Hotspur. Frustrated by a lack of trophies, the striker was willing to explore a transfer to a club willing to match his ambition.
Having turned 28 in July, Kane was keen to ensure he did not waste what remains of his prime years. However, Tottenham stood firm and rebuffed the approaches that came their way.
Wary of selling to a Premier League rival, they refused a significant offer from Manchester City. Kane subsequently entered the new season still as a Spurs player.
His form since has not exactly justified Tottenham’s decision to turn down a huge amount of money for him in the summer. He has only scored one goal from his first 10 appearances of the new Premier League season.
But he sent a reminder of his true qualities when scoring a perfect hat-trick for England in their World Cup qualifying win over Albania on Friday.
In the hours prior to that performance, a report from ESPN revealed Kane could be the subject of a new bid from Manchester City in January.
City did not sign any other striker after missing out on Kane during the summer. They have often since relied on a formation using a false nine.
The results have not shown any negative impact; City are currently second in the Premier League table. However, finding someone who can fill the void left by Sergio Aguero could take them to yet another level.
They could yet revert their attention to Kane. Although, ESPN add that the recent appointment of Antonio Conte as Tottenham head coach could have an effect.
Kane is reportedly impressed by Conte. He feels he could help his chances of winning trophies at the club. Indeed, the Italian has won silverware in each of his last three jobs in club football, either side of a stint in charge of his national team.
In return, the report claims Conte was told before taking the job that Kane would still be part of the club’s plans.
Man City to test Tottenham resolve
Even so, ESPN report that Man City could still test Tottenham’s resolve if they feel there is a chance of a deal. The asking price remains around the £150m mark.
City are still reluctant to pay that much. It would be the second time they broke their transfer record in a few months after spending £100m on Jack Grealish in the summer. But Tottenham are in a strong position because of Kane’s contract lasting until 2024.
Spurs supposedly want to keep Kane at least until the end of the season. Ultimately, how his rapport with Conte builds up will be the crucial factor ahead of the New Year.
In the meantime, City are also keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland as they aim to secure a top-class striker one way or another.
But there is plenty of competition for the Norwegian hotshot and either transfer would set City back a small fortune.
They have the funds to pursue such deals, though. Only time will tell which avenue they go down.
From Tottenham’s perspective, ESPN describe the situation as the “first major battle” Conte will face at the club.
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