Manchester United are reportedly ready to step up their attempts to sign Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.
Over recent summer transfer windows, the future of the England captain has been a hot topic for debate, with Spurs known to have fended off interest from Manchester City in the past.
However, with the long-serving frontman having not penned fresh terms with the North Londoners of late, he now has just over 14 months remaining on his contract.
While reports suggest that chairman Daniel Levy may not necessarily cash in on the 29-year-old at the end of the season, it remains a realistic possibility.
Spurs cannot afford to risk losing a player that they value in the region of £100m on a free transfer in 2024, particularly when they are struggling to qualify for next season's Champions League.
After Spurs were thrashed 6-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, they have been left sitting six points adrift of the Magpies and Manchester United, who have played one and two games fewer respectively, in the Premier League table.
Such a scenario will naturally influence Kane as he ponders his next move, Spurs also currently without a permanent manager and having sacked interim boss Cristian Stellini on Monday.
According to The Telegraph, United are now ready to put the wheels in motion with regards to a summer deal.
Levy would ideally like to avoid selling Kane to a Premier League rival, especially United with the two clubs having not always held a positive relationship behind the scenes.
Nevertheless, United, and possibly Chelsea who are likely to appoint former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, are the only clubs in the Premier League that are realistic destinations for Kane at this point.
The report claims that there is growing expectation that Kane will not consider penning a new deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, something which will only encourage a United bid.
Journalist Matt Law says that "due diligence" is now being carried out by United, who would target alternatives if it became clear that Spurs would not sell their most prized asset to them.
Kane is yet to win a domestic piece of silverware, while United, who reached their second cup final of the season on Sunday, are in the market for a new central forward. body check tags ::
