Carlo Ancelotti makes Harry Kane admission as Real Madrid challenge Manchester United for Tottenham striker

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised Harry Kane but has insisted he respects Tottenham Hotspur amid reports they will challenge Manchester United for his signature.

MEN Sport understands Erik ten Hag made Kane his top summer transfer priority. However, the club are working under the assumption he will not be allowed to leave Spurs this summer.

In the meantime, the La Liga giants have been linked with a move for the striker as the club prepares for the eventual departure of star man Karim Benzema. When asked about the England international on Saturday, Ancelotti confirmed he was a fan of the Tottenham man, increasing speculation the Bernabeu club will compete with United for him.

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"Harry Kane is a top player but we have to respect Tottenham, he’s a Tottenham player," he admitted. "I can guarantee to you that Real Madrid will have a competitive team again next season."

With United becoming increasingly unsure about Kane's availability, Ten Hag has been looking at other options. This week, the Manchester Evening News revealed the boss had held multiple video calls with Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old scored 15 goals this season for the Serie A side and has been likened to Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland. Hojlund has previously admitted he is a United supporter and would be open to a move to the Premier League.

United's scouting team is also continuing to look at Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani after he scored 23 goals for the Bundesliga club. The Frenchman and the Dane are both under contract until 2027 at their respective clubs.

A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93