While most of the soccer world is focused on the European championships unfolding across the Atlantic, Manchester City’s front office is busy putting together an offer to acquire the services of Harry Kane. While the 27 year old striker has made it known that he won’t be publicly commenting on his potential transfer this summer until England’s run at the Euros was over, that hasn’t prevented the soccer rumour mill from humming along at full speed.
The current rumour-du-jour involves Manchester City sending a £100 million offer, plus a player in a bid to tempt Tottenham to part ways with the talented Englishman. While that figure seems low at face value (with some experts valuing Kane closer to the £150 million range), reports are now leaking that City could be willing to part with 26 year old forward Raheem Sterling as part of any potential Kane deal.
Manchester City is far from the only club to show interest in Kane since he informed the Hotspurs of his desire to part ways with the organization this summer. Manchester United and Chelsea are also busy testing the market to see what it would take to acquire Harry’s services.
Complicating matters is Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy’s reluctance to entertain offers for Kane. While Harry has yet to issue a written transfer request to the club, he has made his feelings known publicly for some time now. Levy however appears to be in no rush to deal his striker who is currently under contract for another 3 seasons. While Kane may believe he has a handshake agreement in place with management, reports from European soccer outlets suggest that Levy may be inclined to keep Kane on board for at least another season in an effort to build around him long term rather than sell him off this summer.
Nevertheless, that hasn’t deterred City in their pursuit of Kane, who would fill an immediate hole on offense left by Sergio Aguero’s departure. Kane hasn’t hidden the fact that playing for a team led by Pep Guardiola and alongside all world talent Kevin De Bruyne would be an appealing situation to wind up in. Manchester City is fresh off winning their 3rd league title in 4 years under Guardiola, and will be returning a strong squad to the field with or without Kane when the new year kicks off.
As they have in the past, City may choose to be patient on the transfer market rather than overpaying in the present. If the sense is that the price tag for Kane’s services will be too high this year, then don’t be surprised to see Man City park their offers for now, before renewing their pursuit next season.
Regardless, any transfer isn’t likely to be formalized until after the European Championships. So while things may be simmering for the moment, expect news to be boiling over once the English national team heads their separate ways following the tournament.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner