Over Daniel Levy’s dead body, or at least that’s the message transmitting from inside’s Tottenham control room.
Regardless of Kane’s contractual situation, he isn’t leaving; certainly not to a Premier League rival – at least that is what we are led to believe.
Mail Sport first revealed Erik ten Hag’s interest in Kane back in January. United still want Kane – that much is for sure.
But sources are indicating that they are unwilling to be dragged into an arduous drawn out negotiation with Levy.
Yet, in truth, the negotiations have already started. Perhaps not directly, but the messaging from each club over how they intend to approach a prospective transfer for Kane represents the drawing of battle lines.
This is heading towards being one long, very expensive game of poker.
Expensive for United in that it will cost them close to £100m in transfer fees alone to get Kane, not to mention a minimum £300,000-per-week in wages.
Expensive for Tottenham because if they don’t sell Kane this summer then the prospect of losing a player, whose true market value is towards £150million, for absolutely nothing next year will loom larger than it ever has.
On the face of it, Spurs appear to have much more at risk here.
If Levy refuses to soften his stance then United have the option of moving onto other targets.
Victor Osimhen at Napoli is an option, while Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus has also been mentioned.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy risks the expensive prospect of losing Kane on a free next year
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy risks the expensive prospect of losing Kane on a free next year
Spurs have been alerted to suggestions Kane could work with an agent ahead of a key summer.
Spurs have been alerted to suggestions Kane could work with an agent ahead of a key summer
While Kane is the striker United truly want to lead their attack next season, there are alternatives.
But for Spurs the financial risks are significant. Not withstanding the prospect of losing Kane on a free transfer, Spurs will then be faced with signing a replacement for the club’s greatest ever goalscorer without any return on Kane.
That is a very expensive prospect.
Still, speak to those who have dealt with Levy, they believe the Spurs chairman will back his own business acumen and negotiating skills to ensure his club aren’t left high and dry.
But the power Levy once held with regards to controlling Kane’s future is diminishing at a rapid rate.
Kane after years of frustration, finally has a semblance of control.
Tottenham’s hierarchy have been alerted to industry murmurings that Kane – who is represented by his brother and father – will enlist the help of an agent to guide what will be a pivotal summer in his career.
Why would you do that if you’re planning on staying or signing a new contract?
What if Kane turns round to Levy during talks this summer and indicates a willingness to reunite with Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea for nothing at the end of next season?
That would be a doomsday scenario for Levy. Whether, given his emotional ties to Spurs, Kane would be prepared to join Chelsea is unclear but he could certainly use it to gain further leverage.
