Harry Kane’s desire to finalise a transfer from Tottenham before Euro 2020 begins on 11 June is considered by the club to be impossible as they brace themselves for a protracted battle over his future.
The Kane bombshell dropped on Monday evening and the club were furious about the timing, coming as it did on the eve of their final two Premier League matches – at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday; away against Leicester on Sunday – and with the fight for European qualification ongoing.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in signing Kane, although Real Madrid and Barcelona would not be able to afford him, and the England captain would ideally like to have everything tied up before the Euros.
That is wishful thinking, with the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, not inclined to sell at any point during the upcoming window, raising the prospect of an unwanted sideshow at the summer tournament – both for Kane and the England manager, Gareth Southgate.
All eyes will be on Kane’s first media conference when he will be asked to clarify his thinking, although he will probably stress that his sole focus is England.
Spurs have not denied that Kane is seeking to leave, even if Ryan Mason, the interim manager, asked whether it was true, said: “No, not that I’m aware of.” Mason was vague and noncommittal on a series of questions about Kane’s future.
Spurs’s position remains that they are entirely focused on the Villa and Leicester games, with the need to secure European football hugely important, particularly in the wake of how the pandemic has hit their finances. They will not be drawn into statements on Kane this week.
Mason made the point that Kane had played 47 matches in all competitions for the club this season and his commitment had never wavered. According to Mason, it was not about to do so in the final two games.
“He was exceptional on Sunday [in the 2-0 win over Wolves],” Mason said. “He got his goal but it was his overall performance, work rate and commitment. I’m sure tomorrow will be no different. I speak to Harry pretty much every day. Before I got this job, I spoke to Harry pretty much every day. He’s excited about tomorrow, along with me.
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“Our only discussions have been about the game. He’s going to be 100% committed. I’m looking forward to seeing him play in our beautiful stadium, in front of our fans. I think he starts tomorrow because he’s our best striker and one of the best strikers in the world.”
Mason was asked how the returning 10,000 home supporters would react to Kane in light of his desire to leave. “They’ll love seeing him play,” Mason said. “He loves the club. He’s been at the club from a very young age, he’s come through the system. I’m sure the fans will be excited to be there … the lucky ones … and see Harry play, as well.”