Manchester United hierarchy put off ‘nightmare’ Harry Kane deal and eyeing ex-Arsenal target instead

are wary of entering into talks with Tottenham to sign this summer and are focusing on alternative options, according to reports.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed another stellar individual season for Spurs despite the club’s struggles, with a brace against Nottingham Forest on Saturday taking him to 20 goals in just 27 Premier League matches.

By the summer, Kane will have just 12 months left on his contract with Spurs and a host of European giants have been linked with moves for the England skipper.

Chief among them is Manchester United, with having identified a new, proven goalscorer as his number one transfer priority.

However, despite his precarious contract situation and will resist a sale, while they hope to convince him to sign an extension.

Now are reporting that Spurs’ stance, coupled with the difficulty of dealing with chairman Daniel Levy, has put United off making a move.

Ten Hag wants any new striker in place early in the summer so they can have a full pre-season under their belt, but the chances of prising Kane away from north London in a timely manner are slim to none.

United fear Levy would play hardball – with some sources suggesting he would demand as much as £150million for Kane – and negotiations could run all the way to the final hours of the window on deadline day.

Previous negotiations with Levy have not gone well, with a move for Dimitar Berbatov in 2008 taking months, and he is described as a ‘nightmare’ to deal with – so much so that many at United would rather not get involved with Spurs at all.

But Ten Hag knows he cannot afford to start the season without a new forward, with January recruit Wout Weghorst having struggled in front of goal and only seen as a stop-gap, while Anthony Martial’s injury woes have continued.

United are therefore exploring alternative options who could be easier to secure deals for, with Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen already a much-talked about target.

But the Red Devils are also weighing up a move for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, who was previously wanted by Arsenal before he opted to move to Turin.

Vlahovic would be a somewhat curious target given that he has only netted eight times in Serie A this season and has struggled to live up to his big price tag, while he has failed to score in his last six outings for the Old Lady in all competitions.

Juve, who have financial issues of their own, could be tempted to cash in on the 23-year-old and there would certainly be far fewer obstacles than trying to convince Levy to sell Kane – who, of course, is nearly seven years older.

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