Kane to Man City? Conte faces fight to keep Spurs striker

Antonio Conte may face a fight on his hands to keep Harry Kane from Manchester City, according to  ESPN's Insider Notebook.

 

Man City revive interest in Kane

Manchester City are prepared to launch a new bid for Harry Kane in the January transfer window, sources told ESPN, in what could be Antonio Conte's first major battle as Tottenham Hotspur boss.

City remain in the market for a striker having missed out on Kane in the summer. The England captain made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, only to pledge his immediate future to Spurs towards the end of the window.

He has struggled so far this season, scoring just once in the Premier League, and some Tottenham supporters have shown frustration towards at the 28-year-old, particularly during a lackluster performance during the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

There was hope it may lead chairman Daniel Levy to soften his stance ahead of the January window but that was before he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo with Conte. Sources said Kane is impressed with the appointment of the former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss, who has a track record of winning silverware in England and Italy -- something the striker said in the summer he craves.

City would be willing to test Spurs' resolve to keep Kane if they were given encouragement that a deal was possible. Kane has a contract at Tottenham until 2024 and Levy has consistently valued the forward at more than £150 million -- a fee that City are unwilling to meet.

Sources told ESPN that prior to taking charge, Conte was given assurances he could expect to include Kane in his plans moving forward. But one source suggests a huge offer could yet force Levy into a rethink given how hard the club has been hit financially by the coronavirus pandemic but Spurs have privately been resolute in their determination to keep Kane at least until the end of the season. His relationship with Conte in the weeks and months ahead will be another key factor in the situation.

Manchester City are also interested in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland with heavy interest from a number of Europe's top sides, including United and Real Madrid, expected next summer.