Long-term Man United target Harry Kane had £67 million release clause in January | OneFootball

Long-term Manchester United target Harry Kane has a surprise release clause in his Bayern Munich contract which could have been triggered for just £67 million in January.

Kane, 31, established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe while playing for Tottenham Hotspur – the club he joined as an 11-year-old after being released by local rivals Arsenal for being a “bit chubby”.

The England captain would score 213 times in just 320 Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites, placing him second on the list for the division’s all-time top scorers – 47 goals behind Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

However, Spurs’ inability to consistently challenge for trophies despite possessing one of the most lethal forwards across world football eventually led Kane to push for a move away from North London. United were reported to be interested in a deal for the striker as Erik ten Hag sought to add goals and experience in equal measure to his forward line.

The presence of Daniel Levey at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium deterred United officials, however, as the club had faced difficulties in negotiations with the chief executive before.

Ultimately, it was Bayern Munich who won the race to sign Kane with the prospect of avoiding a transfer with a domestic rival a welcome relief for Spurs fans. The £100 million fee also helped.

However, reports suggest Kane would have been willing to entertain a switch to Old Trafford had it presented itself. And now, in a shock twist, a potential rekindling could be on the cards – if United are willing to stump the money and the forward retains an interest in Manchester.

A report from German outlet Bild, as relayed by TalkSPORT, reveals Kane has a “release clause in his Bayern Munich contract, which has dropped significantly in recent days.”

The 31-year-old forward was available for £67 million in January – a figure which will be “reduced to £54 million” in the winter window next year.

The report contends, “…clubs have the power to activate a release clause in his Bayern contract if they desire, according to Sport Bild, hinting that a return to the Premier League could be a possibility.”

United’s struggles in front of goal have coalesced perfectly with Kane’s relentless scoring since swapping North London for Bavaria in the summer of 2023.

The striker the Red Devils opted for in place of the Englishman, Rasmus Hojlund, has suffered a serious regression in his second season at Old Trafford after a promising debut campaign. Similarly, Joshua Zirkzee, signed to supplement the 22-year-old Danish international, has also struggled since arriving from Serie A in the summer.

Marcus Rashford – the only player capable of scoring regularly for United in the attacking unit – has seen his goal-scoring touch desert him entirely, as well as the ability to run or train properly. New head coach Ruben Amorim wasted little time in showing the 27-year-old forward the exit door at Old Trafford as a last-minute loan move was agreed with Aston Villa.

United are desperate for a goal-scorer. Bayern have arguably the best in the business in their ranks available at a reasonable price, even for a 31-year-old. It’s a deal which makes perfect sense on paper for the Reds; as long as Kane’s wishes are ignored.

The report reveals there is “no indication the 31-year-old wishes to leave Bayern. He has forged a life in Munich and is fervently hoping to end his trophy drought this season.”

Back to the drawing board for INEOS in the hunt for a new goal-scorer, even if this was a sketch which never felt like coming to life.

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