Erik ten Hag ready to snub 'next Ruud van Nistelrooy' to sign Harry Kane

27 March 2023 , 10:42

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Erik ten Hag ready to snub 'next Ruud van Nistelrooy' to sign Harry Kane

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag looks likely to ignore transfer advice given to him by a former Red Devil and push forward with his pursuit to lure Harry Kane to Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is thought to have made the Tottenham talisman one of his priority targets ahead of the coming summer transfer window, while Kane himself is rumoured to be keen on the switch. One person who isn't is ex-United ace Paul Parker, who has urged the club to opt for a younger alternative.

United's current attacking options are unlikely to remain the same next term, with Wout Weghorst only at Old Trafford on loan while there are question marks over Anthony Martial's future. Marcus Rashford can't be left to shoulder the goal-scoring burden alone for another season, hence the interest in Kane.

However, speaking before a ball had been kicked this season, Parker made clear how he feels United should operate in regards to their hunt for a new striker.

"I think United are going to have to do their homework and they're going to have to find someone who's got enough drive in them, who wants to score goals, who wants to play for Manchester United, who wants to make his name and become a great for Manchester United," he told the Express.

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"A bit like a Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy was known as a goalscorer but he made his name, he established himself when he came to a big club like Manchester United at the time and he made it. Manchester United put him up there in the limelight.

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Harry Kane is a summer transfer target for Manchester United (Getty Images)

"I don't want to hear [Robert] Lewandowski, Harry Kane and all that. United don't need that. They don't need another 30-plus centre-forward at this moment in time. They just need a workaholic, back to basics as such."

Well, in what Parker will view as unfortunate news, there is growing confidence from within the United hierarchy that a deal can be struck for Kane this summer. According to The Sun, United's representatives have reached out to Kane's camp via a third party and have been buoyed by the response.

Furthermore, should Tottenham fail to finish in the top four they believe it would force the north Londoners into lowering their asking price, which currently stands at £100million.

United are not alone in their interest in Kane, with German giants Bayern Munich also mentioned as a possible destination for England's all-time record goalscorer.

Kane's current Spurs contract expires in the summer of 2024, which means this summer represents Daniel Levy's last chance to cash in on his prized asset.

Josh O'Brien