Bayern Munich are interested in signing Harry Kane this summer - but the England skipper wants to stay in the Premier League.
Bayern were thumped 3-0 by Manchester City on Tuesday night and still need to replace Robert Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona last summer. Kane, 29, is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe and is capable of filing the void left by the Polish superstar.
Manchester United are the favourites to sign Kane, who is determined to become the Premier League's record scorer. Yet Tottenham chief Daniel Levy does not want to sell his prized asset to an English rival, which could open the door for Bayern to swoop in.
As reported by The Independent, Bayern will test Tottenham's resolve with an offer for Kane. The Bundesliga champions would like to sign a younger player, but Kane's contractual situation is one that appeals to them and many other top European clubs.
Kane, who turns 30 this summer, has just over a year remaining on his existing deal. Levy must decide whether to sell him in the next window or risk losing him on a free transfer during the summer of 2024. The Spurs chief would love Kane to sign a new contract.
Kane will be thinking long and hard about his future. Due to his age, Kane's next contract is likely to be the final long-term deal of his playing career. This summer may be his last chance to leave Tottenham and try to win an elusive major honour.
Do you think Harry Kane will leave Tottenham this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
The prolific star has previously finished as a runner-up in the Premier League, Champions League, Euros and League Cup (twice). Tottenham have not won a major honour since 2008 and there's a chance their long wait will not come to an end anytime soon.
As such, the likes of Bayern and Man Utd believe now is the time to lure Kane away from Tottenham. Mirror Football understands Bayern were willing to walk away from the transfer, but their hopes have been boosted by Levy's unwillingness to sell to a direct rival.
Yet Kane wants to stay in England to chase the Premier League record. The Spurs star is currently third on the all-time list with 206 goals, two behind Wayne Rooney and 54 behind Alan Shearer. He is on course to break Shearer's record if he stays in England.
During a one-on-one conversation with Rishi Sunak last month, Kane was asked whether he's targeting Shearer's record. He said: "Yeah it's definitely there. I'm getting closer, so it's for sure something I want to achieve. But I try not to look too far ahead in football."
Persuading Kane to give up his Premier League dream will be Bayern's biggest challenge. Tottenham's chances of keeping hold of Kane will depend on two big factors. Firstly, he will be waiting to see who Levy appoints this summer after sacking Antonio Conte.
Kane will not want to stay at Tottenham if the club's ambitions do not match his. Spurs are currently losing the battle to qualify for Champions League football next season.
Secondly, it's unclear whether Man Utd actually want to sign Kane. There are younger strikers on Erik ten Hag's transfer shortlist - such as Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, 21, and Napoli's Victor Osimhen, 24 - meaning the Red Devils may look elsewhere.
That is important, as there aren't many options of clubs who could realistically sign Kane this summer. There is no room at Manchester City or Liverpool, while it seems highly unlikely Kane would join Arsenal or Chelsea considering their rivalries with Tottenham.
