Kane: I did NOT refuse to train with Tottenham
HARRY KANE denied that his prolonged absence from Tottenham had constituted a refusal to train as the striker’s transfer saga took another twist last night.
The 28-year-old, who is set to return to the club today following an extended holiday, broke his silence four hours after Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City have had no encouragement from Spurs to negotiate.
Tottenham have put a price tag of £150million on their talisman, with Guardiola indicating chairman Daniel Levy must lower his asking price if the Premier League champions are to land the England captain.
Kane hit back at his critics in a statement that is understood to have left Spurs baffled. ‘It hurts to read some of the comments that have been made this week, questioning my professionalism,’ said Kane.
‘While I won’t go into the specifics of the situation, I want to clarify that I would never, and have never, refused to train. I will be returning to the club tomorrow, as planned.
‘I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise the relationship I have with the fans who’ve given me such unwavering support.’
Guardiola, who also confirmed that a move for free agent Lionel Messi is unlikely given the British record £100m spent on Jack Grealish, is unsure whether Kane will become available.
‘If Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, it’s finished,’ Guardiola said. ‘If they are open, then all the clubs in the world will want to sign him.
‘Harry is an extraordinary striker. We are interested in him but if Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, nothing more to say.
‘Messi was a surprise for everyone, me included. Right now it’s not in our thoughts, absolutely not. In football you never know what is going to happen but it looks difficult.’
Guardiola also fired a warning to ‘three or four’ players within his squad — understood to be Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus — who want to leave the club over a lack of game time. The City boss wants their futures sorted quickly and suggested he would not accept disgruntlement once the transfer window has closed.
‘Every player knows the situation, how I conduct the team,’ Guardiola added. ‘Some players want to play every three days, all the time.
‘When it happens, they have to leave. We are open to discussing absolutely everything. There are players who accept they cannot stay here if they want to play every game. We believe when you win you have to change because there are players who are not satisfied.’
Silva hopes for a move to Spain, while Laporte and Jesus are attracting interest from Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan. Guardiola said: ‘Now is the moment. Not when the season starts, coming and complaining. They need to bring a team to say, “I want to leave because I want to play”.’
Tottenham last night confirmed the signing of Atalanta defender Cristian Romero, who joins for £46.7m.
The Argentinian, 23, is Spurs’ second-most expensive signing after Tanguy Ndombele.