Manchester United staff have brought Erik ten Hag up to speed on Harry Kane and would love to see him join the club, according to reports. The Tottenham striker is the Red Devils’ top transfer target ahead of the summer window. However, despite his contract being due to expire in 2024, a blockbuster switch to Old Trafford is far from guaranteed.
Manchester United have been admirers of Kane for a number of years, with Louis van Gaal first eyeing the player during his time in the Old Trafford dugout.
According to The Athletic, Ten Hag is sold on Kane with staff bringing him up to speed on the ‘anecdotal details behind the hard numbers’.
It is claimed there are also plenty within the club who would love to see Kane arrive at the club, with the 30-year-old a proven goalscorer in the Premier League.
His professionalism and character, too, are what appeals as the Red Devils look to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City for the title next term.
The report says ‘work is being done’ as United look to see whether a deal is achievable, while staff also think the club would appeal to the forward.
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Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill were left ‘exhausted’ after negotiations with Daniel Levy for Dimitar Berbatov back in the summer of 2008.
And, right now, it’s unclear what Kane’s current stance on a move to Old Trafford is.
He’s said to be focused on trying to propel Tottenham into the Champions League as they look to qualify for the competition for a second season in succession.
Kane penning a new deal in north London can’t be ruled out, either, due to his close ties with the club.
Should United fail to acquire the services of the Tottenham striker, it’s possible they’ll move on to alternatives.
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It’s claimed checks have been made on Victor Osimhen, with the Nigeria international enjoying a sensational season with Napoli in Serie A.
Goncalo Ramos and Evan Ferguson, of Benfica and Brighton respectively, are also in United’s sights.
But Kane is their main transfer target and they’re hopeful he’ll be persuaded into joining come the end of the campaign.
While the Spurs hitman is United’s main target, however, Andy Cole thinks his old side should recruit Osimhen instead due to his young age.
“Harry Kane is 30 years old next season and Victor Osimhen is currently 24 years old and he's already done a lot at his age too,” he told King Casino Bonus.
“Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubts that he can adapt to the Premier League.
“If Manchester United want to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term. The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.
“Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he's doing at the moment. If Haaland stays at Manchester City for another four years, he'll still be worth £100m or more, so it depends on what Manchester United are looking for.
“Unfortunately in football, everyone wants instant success, but that does not guarantee a bright future for the club.
“Look at Manchester City, they did not have instant success and look at them now. The Players Pep Guardiola brought in were always young and he could still sell them for a decent price if he needed to.
“That's what I think Manchester United should do because they have been caught too many times bringing in Players for ridiculous fees and on ridiculous wages who have run down their contracts, I don't think they can afford to be caught in that position again.”