Erik ten Hag handed Harry Kane transfer solution as enforced Man Utd decision pays off

Manchester United have reportedly named Harry Kane as their priority target for the summer window – and an unlikely partnership that has formed at the club in recent weeks could help Erik ten Hag to sign him.

Ten Hag, therefore, was restricted to bringing in loan signings in January, with the club not spending on permanent transfers.

The Telegraph claimed last month that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would demand a fee of at least £100 million from English clubs to part company with his prized asset.

Kane is able to negotiate a pre-contract – and thus potentially leave as a free agent – with European clubs from January 2024 if he does not renew his existing deal.

But that is not the case for English clubs, who can only speak with the player in the final month of his contract.

Levy is also known as a fiercely tough negotiator – and he won’t exactly be welcoming to United’s attempts to take Kane away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That will inevitably end up increasing the asking price, and with Ten Hag monitoring other targets, including a new goalkeeper and centre-back, United may be forced to look at other options.

With Tyrell Malacia able to cover for Shaw at left-back when required and with the futures of defensive trio Maguire, Alex Telles and Eric Bailly uncertain, United could raise some much needed funds without the need for a replacement, and divert extra cash towards the Kane pursuit if that is decided upon.

What is clear, however, is that United will need to pay big money to sign the Spurs striker – and it could be a pursuit that drifts well into the summer months.