Pep Guardiola sent Harry Kane message over Man City transfer pursuit for Erling Haaland

Manchester City have been urged to redivert their attentions to Harry Kane before the upcoming transfer window as the England captain would guarantee them 30 goals in the Premier League next season. That's the message from Paul Merson as City prepare to set their sights on Erling Haaland.

City were priced out of a high-profile move for Kane last summer as they splashed out £100million on Jack Grealish, while the Tottenham frontman was forced to pledge his future to the north Londoners. Fast forward to the present and Haaland is now the priority target in attacking quarters.

Establishing himself as one of the hottest properties in Europe, the Norway striker has scored 85 goals in 87 games for Borussia Dortmund and a £64m release clause in his contract there is all-set to become active at the end of this campaign. But have City got it right by targeting the 21-year-old over Kane?

READ MORE: Erling Haaland transfer is solution to Champions League heartbreak for Man City

Writing in his latest Sportskeeda column, Merson said: "As I mentioned a few times in my other columns, I don't really like the fact that they deploy a false 9. Phil Foden played there and he looked a bit lost against Real Madrid.

"I don't believe that's the way to go against a big team. It's alright when you play against the likes of Norwich and wipe the floor with them, but they need a number nine."

Merson added: "Erling Haaland has been linked with a move to Man City. I haven't seen as much of him as I'd like. It will be interesting to see how that one pans out. I'd personally rather have Harry Kane as you'd be signing someone who guarantees you 30 goals in a Premier League season."

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