Pep Guardiola has sent warning to Manchester United over Harry Kane transfer pursuit
Pep Guardiola cautioned  Manchester United about their plans to acquire Harry Kane in the upcoming transfer season.
However, he also spoke highly to Erik ten Hag about Kane’s potential if United were successful in signing the English captain.
Manchester United has been searching for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo since his mid-season departure and Ten Hag is expected to challenge Tottenham and Kane’s resolve in the transfer market. This situation hits close to home for Guardiola.
City was obviously priced out of a 2021 move for Kane, but it waited a year before acquiring Erling Haaland. United will need to replicate City’s success in the boardroom against Tottenham chairman and fierce negotiator Daniel Levy when negotiations begin.
Despite having a high probability of acquiring Kane two years ago, the circumstances have changed now. Currently, Kane only has one year left on his contract, and Tottenham has yet again failed to secure a trophy for him.
Addressing their high-profile swoop for Kane at the time, City manager Guardiola said: “We are interested in him, but if Spurs don’t want to negotiate then there is nothing more to say. If they want to, we will try, that’s all. He’s a player for Tottenham and if they don’t want to negotiate then it’s finished.
“If they are open to negotiation, Manchester City and all the clubs in the world want to try to sign him. But it depends on Tottenham.”
Guardiola’s warning to Manchester United is evident, but the potential transfer fee of £100m or more may be worth paying for Kane. Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, will likely analyze the numbers carefully, and if they choose not to sell, it may be difficult for United to convince them otherwise.
Despite failing to sign Kane previously, Guardiola remains a big admirer of the striker.
. Speaking about Kane after his winner gunned down City in their Premier League match last month, Guardiola added: “We are extremely happy with Erling and, of course, I think Tottenham are extremely happy with Harry. What an exceptional player; the numbers and, more than the goals, the quality.
“That they didn’t win a title [doesn’t mean] he’s not a good player. I think he’s proved that. Harry Kane remains one of the best strikers I have ever seen in my life.”
Guardiola’s comment is quite remarkable, considering that he has coached several top-tier strikers such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Haaland, and Robert Lewandowski.
Despite some reservations, Manchester United is aware that signing Kane would bring them an elite striker and potentially propel them to the next level under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, should they succeed in negotiating a deal with Levy.
Pep Guardiola has sent warning to Manchester United over Harry Kane transfer pursuit
