Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping a close eye on Harry Kane's situation at Tottenham Hotspur with a view to potentially moving for the centre-forward during next summer's transfer window.
The Bundesliga champions did not sign a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski during the recent market, but they are allegedly prepared to spend big on a new striker ahead of the 2023-23 campaign, with Kane thought to be a leading target.
Over the summer, Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann refused to rule out a move for the England captain, claiming that he was "very expensive" but would "score a lot in the Bundesliga".
"He's very expensive that's the problem - but brilliant player, one of two or three who can play as a centre forward [as well as a] No 10, but he's very strong, brilliant with [his] head and both feet," Nagelsmann told reporters.
"He could score a lot in the Bundesliga, I don't know the price, but it's really tough for Bayern Munich. We'll see what happens in the future."
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Kane's current contract with Spurs is due to expire in June 2024, and the North London outfit are allegedly keen to open talks over an extension in order to secure his future.
However, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Bayern are hopeful that Kane will decide against penning a new contract, with the German giants planning a big-money move next summer.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic also recently addressed Kane's future and was reluctant to reveal whether the England captain was a target.
"It's too early to talk about it, if you look at our offensive now: we have eight players for four positions," he told Sky Deutschland.
"There's a lot of fire in there. If you look at the training sessions, it's great fun to watch. Some training games are better than Bundesliga games. That's why it's much too early to talk about it. The way we played offensively and scored as many goals, I'm very happy about that."
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In response to Nagelsmann's comments earlier this summer, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte hit back, insisting that it was "disrespectful" to speak about the striker.
"Honestly I didn't hear this. For sure I'm a coach who doesn't talk about players from other teams. I don't know why [this happened]. The situation at Tottenham is very clear. The plan is very clear with the club," Conte told reporters.
"Harry is a part of the project. He is a very important part of the project and yeah only rumours. At the same time, I don't like to speak about players from another club. If I want to do something I go to speak to the club, not through the media.
"I think maybe it's a bit disrespectful for the other club. This is my way. This is my way to face the situation with other players."
Kane, who was strongly linked with Manchester City last summer, scored 27 goals and registered 10 assists in 50 appearances for Spurs in all competitions during the 2021-22 campaign.
The 29-year-old has again been in excellent form for Tottenham this term, scoring five times in six Premier League appearances, and he has now netted 253 goals in 392 appearances for his London club in all competitions.
Matt Law
