Tottenham to block Kane exit
LONDON — Nuno Espirito Santo defiantly insisted he expects to keep Harry Kane after his Tottenham tenure got under way with a stirring win over champions Manchester City.
Son Heung-min's strike in the second half secured a euphoric victory for Spurs but the Kane transfer saga remained the topic on everyone's lips.
Spurs supporters made their feelings towards Kane, who wants to join City, crystal clear, chanting: “Are you watching Harry Kane?”, during the closing stages of the clash.
But Nuno provided a strong indication that he is planning for life at Spurs with Kane, saying: “What we know is Harry is with us and he is preparing himself to help the team.”
In a later post-match interview, when asked if Kane remains in his plans, Nuno replied: “Yes, Harry, like Bryan (Gil), Cristian Romero, they joined us later.
“Harry is preparing himself and when he's ready he'll join the group and help the team.”
Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Saturday that Kane had made himself available for Sunday's game despite the fact he had completed just two full training sessions since his later-than-expected return from summer holidays.
But Nuno confirmed he took the decision to omit Kane from his squad for the win over Pep Guardiola's side because he felt the striker is lacking the necessary fitness due to his shorter than usual pre-season.
Intriguingly, Sky Sports reported during their coverage of the match that the 28-year-old was at the stadium.
“The delay (in his return to training), all these things, I think Harry needs to work,” added Nuno.
“He worked today and he will keep on working until he can help the team.
'Players who have had not too many sessions need more work.”
City's goalless start to the season will only serve to heighten concerns they are missing a central striker following the departure of legend Sergio Aguero.
Indeed, Kane is the man Guardiola wants to lead his attack this season, but the City boss is adamant Sunda''s misfiring display does not amplify their need for a new centre forward.
“We had the same people last season and we scored lots of goals,” added the City boss.
“Days like today happen. We arrived many times (to have chances). We are good enough to create chances and score the goals and we are going to do it.
“Sergio is gone but last season we could not use him much (yet) we won the Premier League.” — dailymail