Bayern Munich are reportedly planning a big-money move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Harry Kane during next summer's transfer window.
The German champions are expected to be in the market for a new striker next year, having allowed Robert Lewandowski to join Barcelona in the recent market.
There has recently been speculation surrounding Kane and a possible move to Bayern, with the England international said to be open to discussing a switch to Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Bundesliga giants will move for a new number nine next summer and view Kane as their leading target in that area of the field.
"I am convinced that Kane will be Bayern Munich's real market target next summer. It will depend on the player's performance this season, but Bayern has the money. [Kingsley] Coman, [Sadio] Mane, [Serge] Gnabry are there, but a number nine is missing," Plettenberg told Sky Italia.
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Meanwhile, journalist Marc Behrenbeck added that Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic "really like" the 28-year-old.
"I am sure, Bayern Munich will bet strongly on Harry Kane. The discussion is already underway. Bayern Munich is thinking about whether they will need a new striker and Kane is the target, number one," Behrenbeck added.
"More him than [Romelu] Lukaku, for example. Hasan Salihamidzic and Julian Nagelsmann really like Harry Kane."
The forward's current deal with Spurs is due to expire in June 2024, and his club are said to be keen to open talks over an extension as soon as possible, but the speculation surrounding a possible exit is gathering pace.
Kane scored 27 goals and registered 10 assists in 50 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions last season, while he has started this campaign with six goals and one assist in nine appearances.
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Over the summer, Bayern boss Nagelsmann refused to rule out a move for Kane when questioned on the Spurs forward.
"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."
Meanwhile, Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn previously said that a move for Kane would be "a dream", telling Bild: "He's under contract with Tottenham. Sure, an absolute top striker, but that's all a dream of the future."
Kane was heavily linked with Manchester City during last summer's transfer window, but a proposed move to the Citizens broke down due to Tottenham's high asking price, thought to be as much as £150m.
Matt Law
