Manchester United are known to have pinpointed Harry Kane as one of their principal transfer targets this summer.
Erik ten Hag is seeking to bolster his side after a successful first campaign at Old Trafford. He led United to a third placed finish in the Premier League, in the process ensuring the Reds will be back in the Champions League next season.
A trophy drought which had stretched to nearly six years was ended thanks to the winning of the Carabao Cup. Ten Hag also guided United to the FA Cup final too, but were defeated at the hands of Manchester City in their second Wembley showcase of the campaign.
All focus at Old Trafford is now upon preparations for the 2023/24 campaign as United seek to bridge the gap which existed between the Reds and City, who were 14 points ahead of their cross-town rivals. A big summer of business awaits and more reinforcements are needed.
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Kane is thought to be one of the top targets for Ten Hag's side this summer, alongside Napoli's Victor Osimhen. However, United are working under the assumption that Spurs will not sell their captain this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy unwilling to see Kane move to a direct domestic rival in particular.
The England captain last played against United when the two sides met in North London in the Premier League at the end of April. The points were shared on that occasion as Spurs came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with United.
Then Spurs-caretaker boss Ryan Mason spoke in glowing terms of Kane after the game. Despite the clear goals that Kane offers, Mason pinpointed the leadership skills that he brings to the table and the example he gives.
While the former midfielder says Kane 'sets an example' rather than being 'loud and outspoken'.
Mason said: "He’s our best player, I don’t think I’m out of order saying that because he is our best player and he is a leader.
"There are many different ways as he’s a technical leader, he’s a leader in terms of his mannerisms, how he carries himself, the example that he sets and sometimes we don’t probably speak about that enough because he’s not the most loud and outspoken person.
"But we know what type of leader we’ve got, we know what type of character we’ve got and when you put in performances like he did last night that can influence games, that’s the best type of leader that you can get."
Ten Hag has been described as 'obsessed' with the potential of signing Kane this summer. Whether that proves to be a realistic prospect with Spurs' stance on their captain, even though he has only 12 months left to run on his contract and could walk away for nothing next summer, remains to be seen.
The Reds boss previously explained what he wants to see from leaders within his squad, saying they must 'set the mentality, set the standards, control the standards and correct if necessary'. But he has also made it clear that the leadership he has in the squad can always be made better.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: "I think our team, our mentality in general is very good. I think we also have many leaders who set the mentality, who set the standards, who control the standards, who correct if necessary. I think we are happy with this process but it can always be better. That has to be the approach."
Should he be welcomed into the inner circle, Kane would certainly add bags of experience to United's leadership group, while Mason's comments show he could well be a good fit for what Ten hag expects from senior members of his squad.
The England captain will undoubtedly add goals to United, should he make the move to the North West this summer. But he will add far more than just that to Ten Hag's side with the leadership qualities he possesses and which the United boss has already pinpointed in his dressing room. Kane would only add to and improve that.
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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