Tottenham asked Harry Kane to become a one-club man like Roma legend Francesco Totti during talks over his future, according to reports.
England captain Kane, who is second to Jimmy Greaves as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, has reportedly told Spurs he is keen for a new challenge after coming through the youth ranks.
They now face losing Kane, this season’s joint 22-goal top scorer in the Premier League, in the summer transfer window with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea thought to be interested.
Of course Kane wants out – who wouldn’t? – but he trapped himself
Tottenham released a statement on Monday following the speculation saying: “Our focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible. That’s what everyone should be focused on.”
And BBC Sport claim that Kane ‘has not handed in an official transfer request or directly communicated a wish to move’ but that the England international believes he has ‘a gentleman’s agreement that would allow him to leave club this summer’.
The report adds that ‘conversations with the club resulted in a plea for him to “become a Francesco Totti”,’ with the former Roma legend rejecting numerous offers from elsewhere to remain in Rome for his whole career.
Meanwhile, former Spurs striker Clive Allen – who scored 60 league goals in 105 appearances for Tottenham – reckons Kane will leave this summer.
Allen said on talkSPORT: “I’m not surprised. Harry Kane is at the stage in his career, he is nearly 28, where he has done everything possible for Spurs.
“He has been outstanding. Homegrown, wonderful player, but I can understand his desire in being competitive to win trophies. He’s been close, but it hasn’t happened.
“I can understand where he is coming from. I was in a very similar position myself at Spurs at 28.”
On whether he thinks Kane will leave, Allen added: “You’re asking me to answer with my head or my heart, and my heart says I want him to stay, but my head, my football experience and my gut feeling is that Harry will move on, I’m afraid.
“I think he’s got to the stage where he knows time is running down and he wants to win the Premier League, he wants to win the FA Cup and he wants to win the Champions League. Is he going to do that with Spurs? He’s had the opportunity but perhaps he feels those opportunities at Tottenham are now moving away.
“I think those will be overriding factors in his decision… sorry to disappoint you.”
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