Man United transfer target is “being held like a prisoner”, says former Red

Manchester United’s pursuit of a world class striker took a hit at the beginning of the transfer window when it became clear that Tottenham Hotspur would not negotiate for Harry Kane.

Despite having just a year left on his contract, Kane looks set to remain at Spurs. Both Bayern Munich and United have held interest in the player, with the Bundesliga club tabling multiple bids, but chairman Daniel Levy’s resolve is proving as tough as expected.

It’s no secret that those at Old Trafford are in desperate need of a centre-forward, nor is it one that Kane is Ten Hag’s first choice option. However, the responses from Spurs, and the lack of intent from Kane, have led to The Reds looking elsewhere in the form of 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund.

The Atalanta forward is a tremendous talent but, of course, does not offer the same guaranteed quality and return that England’s top goalscorer would do.

Kane does not seem to be pushing for a move this time around, however. In 2021 he was seen hinting that a transfer to Manchester City, who were strongly interested in him at the time, was the right move for him whilst speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap.

One man who knows the quality that Kane provides is Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney.

It was the Liverpool-born forward whose England record was beaten by the Spurs striker and Rooney has had nothing but good words to say about his former teammate in the international setup.

In an interview with The Athletic and David Ornstein, Rooney described Tottenham Hotspur’s marksman as the “ideal player” for Ten Hag’s side to recruit. He added, in a jokingly manner, that his situation makes it seem that he is “being held like a prisoner” in North London.

“Harry’s probably feeling that and knows there are trophies out there for him to win. He has done everything he can for that to try and be at Tottenham. Now probably is right for him to move on and it looks like he’s ready for that as well, but we know Tottenham can be quite difficult at times,” he added.

Whether or not a potential move could materialise towards the end of the transfer window is unknown. Various reports have stated that United are keeping an eye on the situation to see if anything changes.

However, if they are to bring in Hojlund – who they have reportedly agreed personal terms with – it would be difficult to provide the funds for Kane as well, with the fee for the Scandinavian forward being substantial.

Instead, we might see United amongst a flood of teams looking to sign the striker on a free transfer next summer, as he enters the final year of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.