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Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester United about their Harry Kane transfer proposal, though the Manchester City manager also told Erik ten Hag in glowing terms exactly what he would get if United were able to sign the England captain this summer.

Having allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to leave mid-season, United have bided their time finding a worthy replacement as Ten Hag now prepare to test the resolve of Kane and Tottenham when the transfer market reopens. Now that sentiment is a bit close to home for Guardiola.

City, of course, discounted their 2021 move for Kane and waited 12 months before acquiring Erling Haaland in his place. United will have to succeed where City failed to get the best of Tottenham chairman, and fearsome negotiator, Daniel Levy in the boardroom when discussions begin.

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However, two summers ago the odds were in their favor. Now, however, Kane has one year left on his contract and Tottenham, once again, have failed to hand him a trophy.

Referring to his high-profile swoop for Kane at the time, City manager Guardiola said: “We’re interested in him, but if Spurs don’t want to negotiate then there’s nothing more to say. If they want to We’ll try.” That’s it, he’s a Tottenham player and if they don’t want to negotiate, it’s over.

“If they are open to negotiations, Manchester City and all the clubs in the world want to try to sign him. But it depends on Tottenham.”

A stark warning for United, then, but it could be a price worth paying even if the potential transfer fee stretches to more than £100m. Levy is undoubtedly crunching the numbers, but if Spurs decide they don’t want to sell, United may not be able to do much.

However, despite his failed attempt to sign Kane, it seems Guardiola is still a big fan of the striker. Speaking about Kane after his winner pummeled City in their Premier League game last month, Guardiola added: “We are extremely happy with Erling and of course I think Tottenham are extremely happy with Harry. What an exceptional player; the numbers and, more than the goals, the quality.

“Just because they haven’t won a title (doesn’t mean) he’s not a good player. I think he’s shown that. Harry Kane is still one of the best strikers I’ve ever seen.”

An astonishing comment, indeed, from a manager who has worked with Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, currently Haaland and also Robert Lewandowski, to name just four. Despite a muted reservation or two, United know they would get an elite striker if they do the unthinkable and find a way past Levy to sign their main target and propel him to the next step under Ten Hag.

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