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Manchester City have been cleared to pursue Harry Kane from Tottenham, while Roman Abramovich has clarified how much Chelsea will spend on transfers this summer – all in Wednesday’s transfer gossip.

MAN CITY BACKED TO MAKE KANE SIGNING

Pep Guardiola has been given the green light for Manchester City to pursue a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Kane has expressed an interest in leaving Tottenham this summer as he looks to win trophies elsewhere. Despite his positive goalscoring record for Spurs, he is yet to see the reward of silverware.

There will be plenty of interest in the England captain, who would prefer to stay in the Premier League. London rivals Chelsea and both Manchester clubs have been linked.

But now, it looks like it could be Man City who make their move. A report in the Daily Telegraph details how chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak wants to send a strong message in the transfer window.

One of the most powerful clubs in the world financially, City could make a statement by signing Kane. They have just lost Sergio Aguero to Barcelona as a free agent and he will be hard to replace.

Hence, it could require a major investment to guarantee them a strong successor to their all-time top scorer. Kane’s situation makes him an ideal target.

Guardiola has previously played down the idea of signing a replacement for Aguero, but it appears his superiors could convince him to go after Kane.

Khaldoon ready to invest

Khaldoon said: “We’re losing a very important legend in Sergio, they are very hard shoes to fill.

“I’m confident we will find the right player to fill those shoes.

“There are other areas that need investment, not too many. But it’s not about numbers – it’s about quality.

“It’s a phenomenal squad – you don’t win the Premier League and get to the Champions League final without an incredible squad.

“We have that but will bring quality into the squad in a couple of key positions.

“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is you need to constantly bring in talent, refresh.

“And particularly when you are at a high level, on the top. Having won the league it is not the time to sit back and be content. That would be the biggest mistake.

“This is the time to send a strong message that there is no contentment and we are not satisfied with just winning the league.”

Therefore, it appears the City chiefs are preparing for a big summer signing, and Kane could be their man.

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ABRAMOVICH GIVES CHELSEA WARCHEST

Chelsea have promised Thomas Tuchel funds of £200m for the transfer market. (Metro)

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is largely responsible for their interest in re-signing Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan. (Eurosport)

Nuno Espirito Santo has emerged as the favourite to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. (Sky Sports)

Rangers are in the hunt for John Lundstram on a free transfer after his release from Sheffield United. (The Scottish Sun)

Rangers have also expressed an interest in German youth international Salih Ozcan. (Daily Record)

MESSI NEARS NEW DEAL

Lionel Messi is nearing a two-year contract extension at Barcelona. (AS)

Barcelona have also joined Manchester United in the race for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. (Mundo Deportivo)

Arsenal want to sign Anderlecht midfielder and Belgium under-21 international Albert Sambi Lokonga. (The Sun)

France under-21s’ elimination from the Euros could speed up Leicester’s acquisition of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare. (Leicester Mercury)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Brighton are ready to up their £6m offer for Independiente winger and Newcastle target Alan Velasco. (Football Insider)

Manchester United remain interested in Bruno Fernandes’ Sporting successor Pedro Goncalves. (Record)

Sunderland want to make their loan signing of Wolves defender Dion Sanderson a permanent one. (Daily Mail)

Sergio Aguero spent £60,000 to buy a watch for every member of Manchester City’s backroom staff before his departure. (The Sun)

The post Paper Talk: Top Kane suitor cleared to make summer assault on Tottenham; Chelsea ready for £200m spending spree appeared first on TEAMtalk.