Harry Kane: Ten Hag ‘obsession’ revealed but ‘painful’ Levy ‘games’ destroy Man Utd plan with five alternatives named

Erik ten Hag is pushing Manchester United hard to sign Harry Kane this summer in the belief it can help take the club to the next level – but genuine concerns about Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy might yet force a move for one of five alternatives.

Ten Hag is making the signing of a new centre forward his No 1 priority this summer. Having lost Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the season, the Red Devils moved to bring in Wout Weghorst on a temporary basis. The towering Dutchman, however, has failed to prove himself worthy of a long-term stay though.

As such, serious transfer funds are being set aside to land a big-name No 9.

And with circa £100m likely to be spent on the right player, the club are considering a number of solid contenders.

Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos and, more recently, Atalanta hotshot Rasmus Hojlund are three such names being linked. To that end, a United move for the Dane was recently described as ‘impossible to stop’.

However, by mutiple reports, it is England captain Kane who is now emerging as their number one priority.

As Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscorer, the 29-year-old is now just 53 strikes behind Alan Shearer’s 260-goal Premier League record.

And Kane (207 goals) now just needs two goals to overtake Wayne Rooney’s tally as second on the list.

As a result, the Manchester Evening News claims Ten Hag is ‘obsessed’ with bringing Kane to Old Trafford.

His deal at Tottenham is due to expire in summer 2024. And following the turbulent season Spurs have endured, there is an increasing feeling that Kane is ready to push for a move elsewhere.

READ MORE: Man Utd legend makes big hint Ten Hag will snub Harry Kane to sign lethal 26-goal striker

Levy weakens Man Utd chances of Kane with five others on wishlist

However, despite Ten Hag imploring United chiefs to push for his signing, the club remains reluctant to pursue a deal.

And having been stung by Levy in the past when getting the Dimitar Berbatov deal over the line in 2008, they know what a tough negotiator he can be.

Indeed, the MEN acknowledges that United chiefs are painfully aware and are reluctant to play ‘games’ with Levy over Kane.

And having seen their summer 2022 transfer plans almost wrecked by the long-drawn out saga over Frenkie de Jong, the club are determined to learn lessons from past failures.

Ultimately – and if forced to sell Kane – they know Levy would prefer to accept a lesser fee from abroad. To that end, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid continue to be linked with his services.

Understandably, the report claims United have, as a result, drawn up a shortlist of five alternatives to Kane this summer.

Indeed, per the MEN, Osimhen would be next in line should they abandon plans for the England skipper.

Likewise, the Nigerian is also seen as a tough man to land, with four other names making up their list.

To that end, United are also considering the merits of Ramos, Hojlund, Randal Kolo Muani and finally, Mohammed Kudus.

Nonetheless, Ten Hag is refusing to let go of his Kane dream yet. And he will continue to probe club bosses over the prospects of a deal until he knows for absolutely sure his hopes are over.

READ MORE: The five strikers heavily linked with Manchester United and how they compare in 2022/23: Kane, Osimhen…