Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola point-blank refused to discuss whether he was interested in signing England captain Harry Kane this summer.
Tottenham star Kane has made it known to the club that he wishes to leave, with the Premier League champions leading contenders to complete a £150m deal.
Spurs have maintained Kane is not for sale this summer and Guardiola, speaking after City let a two-goal lead slip to lose at Brighton, was not interested in talking about the 27-year-old striker on Tuesday.
Asked if he would like to sign Kane this summer, Guardiola said: ‘Next question. He is a Tottenham Hotspur player, please.’
Kane is keen to have a move sorted by the time England begin their Euro 2020 campaign in a little over three weeks – but the likelihood of that happening appears remote.
While Tottenham are insistent they will not sell, with chairman Daniel Levy is particularly reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival, it is believed a fee of £150million could be too good for the club to reject.
Kane is keen to have his move sorted by the time England begin their Euro 2020 campaign in a little over three weeks – but the likelihood of that happening appears remote.
However, Kane is fully prepared to play the long game and is unwilling to let the club talk him into changing his mind for a second successive summer.
It remains to be seen whether Kane is prepared to hand in a formal transfer request later if Tottenham refuse to sanction his exit.
But what is becoming abundantly clear is that Kane’s stance is unlikely to waiver.
Kane still has three years left to run on his existing deal meaning Tottenham are in a strong position to call the shots.
However, there is a concern behind the scenes that preventing Kane from leaving will be easier said than done.
Kane’s desire to leave isn’t motivated by money but, as he has publicly stated on several occasions, his desire to win trophies.
He was persuaded to stay on last summer due to Jose Mourinho’s history of winning silverware. But with the club currently managerless and next season likely to be one of transition, Kane fears Tottenham will not challenge for top honours any time soon.
While Tottenham are insistent they will not sell, it is believed a fee of £150million could be too good for the club to reject.
City would certainly be able to finance such a move for Kane. Indeed, it is understood City are currently favourites to land the striker this summer.
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