Spanish champions Barcelona are interested in signing Tottenham's Harry Kane next summer, for a transfer fee that could reach up to £200million.
The Daily Star are reporting that the Catalan club have made Kane their number one target, with Luis Suarez's advancing years a concern to those at the club. The Uruguayan will turn 32 in January, and has struggled with knee problems in recent times.
He certainly seems to have lost some of the explosiveness which he built his reputation on during his time at Liverpool, and that problem is unlikely to reverse in the coming years. Kane is seen as the ideal replacement, due to his age and experience at the top level.
At 25-years old, Kane already has two Premier League golden boots to his name, as well as being the top scorer during the World Cup in Russia this past summer. Despite not being at his best during the current season, he still has 13 club goals to his name in all competitions.
While Tottenham will no doubt want to keep hold of their prized asset, financial restrictions may force their hand on the issue. The construction of their new stadium will have tightened the pursestrings at the club, and this was even before the project went way over budget.
We already seen the effects during the summer, when Spurs became the first team in Premier League history to fail to sign a player during the off-season transfer window. A bid approaching a world-record fee would surely have to be considered, even if it would be difficult to stomach for Spurs fans.
For Kane, he is reaching a stage in his career where he may feel a change of scenery could be required. While he is a Spurs fan, the club do not really look close to competing for major honours.
They seem well behind Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League pecking order, while their Champions League campaign could end as soon as Tuesday night when they face Barcelona. Another trophyless campaign may force the player to consider his future, especially if transfer funds are set to be low at the club in the coming seasons.
It is difficult to see how Spurs can improve without significant investment, something that does not seem forthcoming. Kane would also receive a significant upgrade in his salary were he to move, with Spurs known for the stringent wage structures at the club.
