Kane skips tests amid push for move

LONDON • Harry Kane reportedly failed to turn up for his scheduled pre-season tests with Tottenham on Monday and yesterday amid mounting speculation he wants to force a move to Manchester City.

The England captain was due back at Spurs' training headquarters for a coronavirus test and a fitness assessment following his three-week holiday after Euro 2020.

However, it was widely reported he did not make an appearance at Tottenham's Enfield base, sparking fresh talk that he was determined to engineer a transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Tottenham, who ironically will face Pep Guardiola's team on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, have declined to comment about Kane's absence.

The 28-year-old went public with his desire to leave Tottenham at the end of last season.

Kane has grown frustrated at Tottenham's failure to win a major trophy since 2008, with their latest letdown coming in last season's League Cup final defeat against City.

He believes he has a "gentleman's agreement" with Tottenham which allows him to move this year.

But with three years left on his contract, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has no intention of selling his club's prized asset, who is valued at around £150 million (S$282 million).

Kane has been in the Bahamas following England's Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

With the top-flight season due to start on Aug 13, he appears to have the intention to push for a move.

It can be a rocky road for him if he steps up his demand to leave, with some Tottenham fans expressing their anger at his training ground snub on social media.

New Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was reportedly assured during discussions before he took charge that Kane would not be sold.

The Portuguese said last month that Kane could be "counted on" next season.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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    goals scored by Harry Kane for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. Kane is seventh on the all-time scorers' list, with former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer leading the chart on 260.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 04, 2021, with the headline Kane skips tests amid push for move. Subscribe