Tottenham Hotspur believe signing Manchester United club captain Harry Maguire could keep Harry Kane – Paper Round

Spurs launch plan to keep Kane

Tottenham Hotspur could launch a shock move for Manchester United club captain Harry Maguire this summer. The 30-year-old is out of favour at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, but Spurs believe he could prove vital in keeping prized asset and England compatriot Harry Kane in north London. Maguire and Kane are close team-mates in the England set-up and Tottenham think it could help them keep hold of the Three Lions captain for another season.

“Spurs are understood to have made checks on Maguire’s situation ahead of a potential move later this summer. Maguire is an option with Tottenham well placed to move should there be a collective decision to target a swoop for the experienced defender.

“Any move for Maguire is likely to welcomed by Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who has a close relationship with his England team-mate. Of course, Kane’s future is also unclear with Real Madrid and United both vying for his signature this summer.

“Centre-back is an area of the pitch Tottenham will look to strengthen this summer; Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi another player of interest.”

Real Madrid identify Kane alternative

Real Madrid have lined up Chelsea forward Kai Havertz as a potential alternative in their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already expressed his concerns over selling Kane, who has one more year left on his contract in north London. Tottenham are expected to demand at least £100 million for their prized asset, which could mean Real Madrid turn their attention towards Havertz.

“Signing Kane and Havertz together has not been ruled out but it is more likely that one or the other arrives, with Jude Bellingham set to join from Borussia Dortmund for more than £100 million and Real also looking for a new left back.

“Real have their eye on making a fresh move for Kylian Mbappé, or even Erling Haaland, next year.”

Chelsea hope to improve midfield options

Chelsea have prioritised strengthening their midfield during a vital summer in the transfer market. New manager Mauricio Pochettino knows he faces a huge rebuild this summer and has identified midfield as the main aspect of his squad that he wants to improve. The west London club has recently missed out on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte to Paris Saint-Germain, but have now made Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga their new priority.

“Mauricio Pochettino faces an extensive rebuild after becoming Chelsea’s head coach and is prioritising additions in midfield. He encountered frustration after missing out on Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to join Paris Saint‑Germain, and has switched his focus to Veiga.

“Chelsea, who also want Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, are prepared to push hard for him. Liverpool will consider moving for Veiga once they complete the signing of the Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.”

Mac Allister the first in Liverpool’s new midfield

Liverpool are also looking to improve their midfield options this summer after a disappointing Premier League campaign. The Reds are close to completing the signing of Brighton midfielder and World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, but are set to miss out on Chelsea star Mason Mount to Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp is still in the market for at least one more midfielder and has a few names on his shortlist.

“Liverpool were also interested in Mason Mount, entering the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea, but Manchester United appear to be the front-runners and Klopp does not want to get into a protracted – and often expensive – process so has moved on to other players.

“The Reds have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and will be looking to get their business done early in time for the start of pre-season on July 8.”