‘Man United make Harry Kane transfer decision’ after owner’s green light
Man United owners INEOS will pursue a deal to sign Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane in the summer, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that the England striker has become a key target.
The 31-year-old left Tottenham to join Bayern Munich in 2023, but his £54million release clause is set to become active in the summer.
As a result, Man United are among a number of clubs interested in bringing him back to the Premier League and are putting together plans to make it happen.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be the driving force behind the efforts to bring Kane to Old Trafford as he wants to bring in a star name.
However, Brown raised concerns about whether Kane would be a good fit for Ruben Amorim’s side and called for the manager to have the final say on the deal.
INEOS planning move to bring Harry Kane to Man United
Given United’s difficult financial situation, Brown explained that any deal would likely come following the sale of either Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Blackburn, Sunderland and Aston Villa, insisted that should not be the case, but admitted it would not surprise him if INEOS made the call.
“INEOS want a star name to hang their hat on, at it were,” he told Football Insider.
“They view Harry Kane as that player, and if he’s available, they’re going to push for that.
“He’s moved away from the Premier League and the pressures and demands of this league, and he’s gone to play for a team and in a league where it’s a bit more comfortable.
“The question I would have is whether he’s going to be prepared to step back into the Premier League.
“But you also have to ask about the finances involved, and where the £54million is coming from.
“If that’s going to come from player sales, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho, then that’s not worth doing in my opinion.
“Knowing how INEOS work, though, and what they want to do, it wouldn’t surprise me at all.
“I think Ratcliffe wants Kane – but it has to be a footballing decision.
“The footballing side of the club need to be in agreement, because what’s the point of Ratcliffe wanting him if Ruben Amorim doesn’t?
“They’ve all got to sit down and work out whether he fits into the style of play and then they can make the decision whether or not to bring him in.”
Ruben Amorim transfer priority revealed after Liam Delap twist
Man United are expected to prioritise the signing of a new striker in the summer amid growing concerns about the performances of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
While Kane remains a big-name target, they have also been considering a number of alternatives to bolster Amorim’s attacking options.
Football Insider revealed on 10 February that the Red Devils have now joined Chelsea in the race to sign Ipswich star Liam Delap, who has caught the eye this season.
Delap, 22, is keen to remain in the Premier League despite the expectation that Ipswich will be relegated this season, and would welcome a move to Old Trafford.
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