Pep Guardiola issues warning to Manchester United regarding their pursuit of Harry Kane
Man United has identified the England captain as their primary summer target.
Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester United about their proposed transfer pursuit of Harry Kane, but the Manchester City manager has also told Erik ten Hag in glowing terms what he would be getting if United were to sign the England captain this summer.
United have bided their time to find a worthy replacement after allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to leave mid-season, and Ten Hag is now preparing to test Kane and Tottenham’s resolve when the transfer market reopens. Guardiola is experiencing a similar sensation right now.
City, of course, were priced out of a move for Kane in 2021 and instead waited a year before signing Erling Haaland. When any talks begin, United will have to succeed where City failed by defeating Tottenham chairman – and fearsome negotiator – Daniel Levy in the boardroom.
However, the odds were stacked in his favor two summers ago. However, Kane’s contract has one year left on it, and Tottenham have yet to deliver him a trophy.
When asked about their high-profile swoop for Kane at the time, City manager Pep Guardiola stated: “We are interested in him, but if the Spurs refuse to negotiate, there is nothing we can do. All we can say is that if they want to, we will try. He’s a Tottenham player, and if they don’t want to negotiate, he’s out.
“Manchester City and every other club in the world want to sign him if they are willing to negotiate. However, it is dependent on Tottenham.”
A clear warning to United, but it may be a price worth paying even if the potential transfer fee exceeds £100 million. Levy is undoubtedly crunching numbers, but if Tottenham decides not to sell, there may be little United can do.
Despite his failed attempt to sign Kane, it appears Guardiola remains a huge fan of the forward. Guardiola said of Kane after his winning goal against City in the Premier League last month: “We are very pleased with Erling, and I believe Tottenham are very pleased with Harry. What a fantastic player; the numbers and, more importantly, the quality.
“The fact that they did not win a championship does not imply that he is a bad player. I believe he has demonstrated this. Harry Kane is still one of the best strikers I’ve ever seen.”
A staggering statement from a manager who has worked with Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Haaland, and Robert Lewandowski, to name a few. Despite a few reservations, United knows they would be getting an elite striker if they do the unthinkable and get past Levy to sign their top target and propel them to the next level under Ten Hag.
