Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has claimed that signing Harry Kane would make Manchester United contenders for both the Premier League and Champions League.

Kane, who is working his way back from a hamstring injury, recently conceded that he would look to leave Tottenham Hotspur if he felt that the club were not "progressing".

United have allegedly identified the England captain as a potential summer signing, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to be prepared to sanction a move if the Red Devils come up with a world-record bid.

Murphy has claimed that bringing the 26-year-old to Old Trafford would be "the final piece in the jigsaw" for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side as they attempt to return to former glories.

"Manchester United are closer to challenging for the Premier League title and Champions League than many people think," Murphy wrote in his column for the Daily Mail. "The final piece in the jigsaw is a world-class centre-forward. We know it and they know it. It is why they tried to sign Erling [Braut] Haaland in January.

"If Harry Kane is available, even for a record price, United would be mad not to look a gift horse in the mouth. They are the richest club in England and, if there is ever a time to use that financial power, it would be to prise the best striker in the country away from Tottenham.

"Kane will guarantee United goals but will also get the best out of Marcus Rashford, who could play in his best position out wide and still come inside to score. Can you imagine Kane on the end of the creativity of Paul Pogba or Bruno Fernandes?

"Sometimes you don't know if new signings will adapt to playing under pressure at Old Trafford but we know from the World Cup that Kane comes alive on the big stage."

Kane, who is contracted to Jose Mourinho's side until June 2024, has scored 181 goals in 278 appearances for Spurs in all competitions, including 17 in 25 outings during the 2019-20 campaign.