Harry Kane was always going to Bayern Munich for two key reasons - Man Utd had no chance
JOHN CROSS COLUMN: Harry Kane’s goal in Bayern Munich’s 4-3 win over Manchester United in the Champions League inevitably raised questions over why the Red Devils did not try harder to sign him this summer, but a move to Old Trafford was never on the cards
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring for Bayern Munich against Manchester United
Harry Kane has been the toast of Bayern Munich’s Champions League campaign this week.
It has inevitably raised the question as to why Manchester United did not go all out to sign the England captain in the summer. Every transfer is complex and has different dynamics but one thing remained crystal clear throughout: Tottenham would not sell to a Premier League rival.
While United may have been quoted figures and contract details by insiders close to the deal, Tottenham would have resisted allowing their talisman and top scorer going to Old Trafford at all costs. The only way that could have happened was for Kane to run down his contract and join United on a free transfer next year.
Tottenham’s position remained the same throughout together with the clear message: we don’t want to sell rather than he is not for sale. Bayern met the £100m price tag.
United undoubtedly made enquiries to Kane’s camp, but the idea of him making a domestic move was never on. That is why they quickly abandoned Kane and went for Rasmus Hojlund.
Meanwhile, Tottenham held firm. Real Madrid’s interest was genuine and yet they were scared off by the price and probably the contract demands. But Bayern Munich pushed hard because they were super-confident that Kane wanted to join them despite doubts internally at Spurs as to whether he would really go through with it.
The Bayern switch also means that the door is still open for Kane to return to Tottenham in the future. That could not have happened if he had gone to United.
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Kane acted with huge dignity throughout. That has ensured his legendary status has probably grown among Spurs fans rather than decreased.
Equally, how refreshing to see Tottenham hold a fans’ forum for 250 supporters this week. It has been shown unedited - apart from one small bit of swearing from the audience - on the club’s website and puts Daniel Levy in a totally different light.
It was a reminder that he is still a fan. Other clubs should take note of the value of openness and transparency. Tottenham deserve huge credit.
Why Arsenal vs Spurs is a 2pm kick-off
Bukayo Saka and Son Heung-Min will meet again in Sunday’s North London Derby at the Emirates (
Image:
Getty)
The North London derby kicks off at 2pm on Sunday rather than the traditional 4.30pm time reserved for the biggest fixture. Instead, Sky viewers might be scratching their heads as to why Sheffield United vs Newcastle United is in the prime slot.
It is down to security concerns around the Arsenal vs Tottenham fixture. But the police did NOT make a formal request for the game to start earlier which does, to put it bluntly, give fans less drinking time.
It was a joint decision between the various licensing and safety groups to stage it at 2pm. So, the clubs can’t just blame the police as a few Prem teams did on fixture changes last season.
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But it is still worth remembering what happened last season. The North London derby at White Hart Lane was in the 4.30pm Super Sunday slot and that was when Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale was attacked by a Spurs fan.
And it is Yom Kippur on Sunday as the Jewish festival begins at sunset which would have made it awkward for some fans with a 4.30pm start.
Sky poach BBC reporter
Highly-respected radio reporter and presenter Juliette Ferrington is leaving the BBC to join Sky Sports.
That is a major coup for Sky because Ferrington, such a familiar voice on 5Live, is one of the best interviewers around, is an excellent reporter and is outstanding whenever she hosts a show. Ferrington has been something of a trailblazer throughout her career and the BBC probably missed a trick by not using her to host shows more frequently.
Sky reporter pens new book
Sky Sports’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has written a new book with Jim White (
Image:
Twitter/@footballdaily)
Sky’s Kaveh Solhekol has earned high praise from fans and viewers alike with his understanding and fair reporting on the Manchester United takeover saga.
Solhekol is also an excellent reporter on transfers and has a new book - Deadline Day coming out on October 19 - which has been co-written with talkSPORT’s Jim White and is certain to be a good read. It also looks at what it takes to be a journalist in the social media age and deal with the “murky and cut-throat world” of agents, managers and players.
Wimbledon co-founder rewarded
Ivor Heller, one of the co-founders of AFC Wimbledon, has been given the freedom of the London Borough of Merton for his role in the resurrection of the club and its climb back up the League.
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