By Noel Whelan

7th Sep, 2021 | 4:00pm

Pundit makes Grealish claim as Tottenham star speaks out over potential exit

Noel Whelan has insisted Harry Kane should retain the backing of the Tottenham squad after a move away failed to materialise.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker claimed the 28-year-old’s teammates would understand his desire to leave in pursuit of silverware.

As quoted by talkSPORT (31st August), Kane insisted his “conscience is clear” after the well-publicised transfer saga at Spurs this summer.

As revealed by Football Insider, Kane was desperate to leave amid interest from Manchester City.

However, a deal could not be struck between the two clubs.

As such, he remained with Tottenham past last week’s transfer deadline day.

Despite the homegrown hero wanting out, Whelan insisted there would be no issues between Kane and the squad.

Asked if Kane’s teammates would understand his situation, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Absolutely. I don’t think there’s any rift between the teammates and Harry Kane.

“I think they understand the reasons why he’s probably wanted to leave. Top players generally do. You look at Messi, you look at Ronaldo, Lukaku’s just moved away, all these big players.

“It does happen with top players, like Grealish. If you’re not winning, there’s always the option at the end of the season that a top international player is going to want to move to win trophies.

“It’s really down to Tottenham now to really push it out there. They’ve made some fantastic signings, the team have got a good spirit there.

“I think they’ve got a great manager in my opinion, a great man-manager at that.

“Harry Kane will be professional. He will get on with the job and make it up to the fans, if need be, by scoring goals and putting in performances.”

In other news, Tottenham urged to sanction swap deal after “serious bid” update.