Erik ten Hag is showing he's learnt from first mistake as Manchester United boss

Sir Alex Ferguson once described negotiating with Daniel Levy as more painful than a hip replacement, but if Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are to land their priority target this summer then they will have to go through similar turmoil.

United need a world-class goalscorer and the Dutchman has had his sights on Harry Kane for some time, knowing the Spurs frontman can guarantee 25+ goals a season and bags of Premier League experience. But in entering talks with Levy, you must be prepared for some serious hardball.

Kane will only have 12 months left on his contract come summer but that won't matter much to Levy, who seems intent on winning the battle without considering the war. His all-time top goalscorer could leave on a free in 2024, but a move to Premier League rivals this summer is unthinkable for him.

EXCLUSIVE: United reluctant to play games with Daniel Levy over Harry Kane

United have made their feelings clear and will not be embroiled in a transfer saga, with sources telling MEN Sport that they are aware of Levy's propensity to drag out deals and do not want to play games. Ten Hag is intent on bringing the 29-year-old to Old Trafford but will not entertain a saga that overshadows his summer work.

It is a show of development from the Dutchman that he will not get stuck on one player, particularly after last year's failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong. United's interest in the Barcelona midfielder was well-known by May with Ten Hag intent on adding a ball-playing No.8 to his squad.

By June, a deal was agreed with Barcelona worth an initial €65million but from such a strong position, negotiations never moved forward. Disputes between De Jong and Barcelona over unpaid wage deferrals ostensibly caused the hold-up,