Reports suggest that Manchester United could use Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Dean Henderson to help facilitate a deal for Harry Kane. The Red Devils are keen to sign a new forward in the upcoming transfer window, with manager Erik ten Hag prioritising an elite goalscorer to bolster his attacking options. Kane is one of several forwards that United are considering, but some members of the club’s hierarchy are wary of dealing with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Although Kane is about to enter the final year of his contract, Levy is expected to demand in excess of £100 million. United know how difficult a bargain Tottenham can drive, and previous negotiations over the likes of Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have been described as a ‘nightmare’.
Ten Hag wants his new forward in place early in the summer, prior to pre-season, but there are fears that talks with Spurs could drag on until the very end of the window – and perhaps even end in disappointment. However, ESPN reports that United could use Tottenham’s interest in Henderson as leverage in talks to sign Kane. Although the goalkeeper would not be used in any kind of swap deal, there is a feeling that Levy might be more open to discussing a deal for Kane if talks are also ongoing over Henderson.
Spurs are in the market for a new number one to succeed Hugo Lloris, with the 36-year-old’s form having dipped this season amid a host of errors. Henderson is one of the players Tottenham are considering, with the north Londoners especially keen to bring in a goalkeeper who qualifies as homegrown. Everton’s Jordan Pickford is also on their radar – though he recently signed a new contract and is unlikely to leave Goodison Park unless the club get relegated – while Brentford’s David Raya has also been linked.
Kane was thought to be open to signing a contract extension with Tottenham, though his stance may now be dependent on the managerial situation at the club, with Antonio Conte widely expected to be dismissed from his role. While United are big fans of the 29-year-old, there is slight reluctance to spend big on a player entering the latter years of his career, and a move for a younger striker, such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, might be a more sensible, long-term decision.