Erik ten Hag doubles down on Harry Kane stance despite bold transfer vow

21 July 2023 , 20:29

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Erik ten Hag doubles down on Harry Kane stance despite bold transfer vow

Erik ten Hag refused to be drawn on Manchester United's interest in Harry Kane but did stress that the club will do "everything" they possibly can to sign an elite No.9.

United have already wrapped up deals for Mason Mount and Andre Onana and are expected to intensify their efforts to find a new striker in the coming weeks to ensure Ten Hag has more attacking options next term.

Kane, who has just one year remaining on his current Tottenham contract, is a player United admire and is a proven entity when it comes to the Premier League. However, Spurs chief Daniel Levy is reluctant to sell Kane to a domestic rival, meaning a deal is unlikely.

Levy's stance hasn't prevented speculation linking Kane with a blockbuster move to Old Trafford, though - especially as there would be nothing stopping the England captain from joining United as a free agent next summer if he refuses to sign a new contract.

Manchester United are in need of a new striker for the 2023/24 campaign given the dearth of central attacking options available to Ten Hag. But although Kane is still of interest, the Dutchman was once again reluctant to discuss him specifically when he was asked about the Tottenham talisman.

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"I don’t talk about specific players who are under contract at another club," he told reporters in the United States. "We will do everything in our power to get the right man in. We know our targets. We will put the effort in to get things done."

Join the debate! Who would you like to see Man Utd target next in the transfer market? Let us know here.

Erik ten Hag was reluctant to discuss Manchester United's interest in Harry Kane (Getty Images)

Atalanta hotshot Rasmus Hojlund has emerged as the club's priority striking target in recent weeks, with reports claiming that United are preparing to approach the Italian outfit with an opening proposal for the highly-rated 20-year-old's services.

And while United may need to offload fringe players to raise funds after splashing out on deals for Mount and Onana, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has admitted that he doubts they will be able to keep hold of their striking prodigy beyond the summer.

He told Sky Sport Italia: "If he stays? I don't know, honestly, I don't know, the transfer market is unpredictable. I don't know the value of the player, he can be worth even 100 million, but the market value is uncertain.

"I hope the club will value Hojlund around €80m, €90m or €100m fee. There are strong players who struggle to find a place and other young players who reach certain figures, Hojlund is among the very best emerging players in Europe."

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Dan Marsh