Manchester United to act quickly with Kane bid and step up interest in Mount

Manchester United will attempt to smooth negotiations with Tottenham by bidding as quickly as possible for Harry Kane this summer, while they are also preparing to step up their interest in Chelsea’s Mason Mount.

Erik ten Hag is keen to sign a new striker and Kane tops a shortlist that also includes Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Højlund of Atalanta. United have been quoted €150m (£130m) for Osimhen, which would put the Nigerian out of their reach. Højlund, the 20-year-old Denmark striker, would be seen as one for the future if he moves to Old Trafford this summer.

The club are aware it will not be easy to convince Daniel Levy to let Kane leave Spurs. Levy is under significant pressure after a hugely disappointing season and supporters have called for him to quit as chairman. Tottenham are yet to appoint a new manager, are in danger of missing out on European qualification and will be in further trouble if they lose Kane.

Yet Levy is a notoriously tough negotiator and there is a feeling he may be prepared to keep Kane, even though the England captain’s contract runs out next year. Kane has been silent on his future and there has been little indication he is prepared to sign an extension. There is the possibility of Spurs losing him on a free transfer next year.

However, United believe signing Kane could transform them into title contenders and they intend to test Levy’s resolve. They are wary of a saga developing and do not want to spend the entire summer chasing the Spurs striker. It is believed they will look to make their move early and hope they will come up with enough money to convince Levy to sell. Ten Hag is said to be obsessed with Kane.

United have other options but Osimhen, whose goals have driven Napoli