Tottenham old boy warns Kane’s suitors of major transfer problem

Any club wishing to price Harry Kane away from Tottenham this summer will have a tough time in negotiating a deal with Daniel Levy, former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov has warned.

Spurs were forced into a statement on Monday night after Sky Sports reported that Kane had officially informed Levy of his desire to leave the north London club. The short comment from the club gave little away. A club spokesman said: “We won’t be commenting – our focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible. That’s what everyone should be focused on.”

Sky Sports reported that the England captain, unhappy with Spurs’ lack of progress, has informed Levy he wants to depart this summer. He also wants his destination decided before the European Championship, which gets underway on June 11.

read also:Mason unaware of Tottenham icon Kane wanting to leave

Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with moves for Kane. Indeed, Tuesday’s Paper Talk claimed Spurs would ask United for an attacker in exchange as part of any deal.

Interim manager Ryan Mason was giving little away when questioned about Kane’s future during his presser on Tuesday.

Should he leave, Kane is likely to command a fee well in excess of £120m.

And Berbatov expects any club wishing to land Kane to not have an easy time of things. Levy is known as a tough negotiator and Berbatov revealed last year how tough it can be to deal with the Spurs chairman.

“He’s always looking for the best interests of the club,” he told football.london.

“I don’t care who you are or where you come from, or how much money you have. If you don’t give the money I want, you know you’re going to have a hard time.

“I would be the same if I was a chairman of a club as well. The club comes first always and that’s why I’m so happy to see how the club has developed with a new ground and a new stadium. It’s the best in Europe.”

Reflecting on his own move from Tottenham to United in 2008, Berbatov recalled how Levy had made life difficult for the Red Devils.

The striker eventually moved for a huge fee back then of £30.75m – but the deal wasn’t without complications.

“That was nothing personal though, it was only business,” he added.

“It happens all the time in football. You cannot take it personally. If you do, it’s not good for anyone. It’s just business and of course your club comes first.

“If you give me the money I want then we can speak and do business. It’s just the way it is in football.”