Tottenham don’t expect Harry Kane to leave the club before the transfer window is over, although Nuno Espirito Santo insist Spurs need to be prepared for any outcome.
Kane was not included in Spurs squad for their first Premier League game against champions Manchester City, with Son Heung-min scoring the game-winning goal on Sunday.
It is City who want to sign the English captain – Pep Guardiola eager to strengthen their attack by acquiring an unparalleled center-forward.
Reports last week suggested that City would be ready to bid up to £ 150million for Kane, who still has three years on his contract with Tottenham and has indicated he would like to leave the club.
Nuno said Kane was not involved due to his return to training only at the end of last week, although the 28-year-old’s omission will do little to help quell speculation.
While the Spurs boss has claimed he plans to have Kane on board for the season, Nuno has acknowledged that Tottenham must be prepared to reinvest in their squad if their talisman is sold.
“Decision [to leave out Harry] was made on Saturday, the day we prepared for the match, ”Nuno told reporters. “We have to make decisions, it’s our job.
“Harry is [training] with us he worked on Sunday morning and he is getting ready to help the team. We do not expect [something to happen before the transfer deadline but] you have to be ready to act if necessary because until the 31st anything can happen in football.
“We have our team, we have our Spurs players.
“We have to hire them, but we have to know that August 31 is sometimes not in your hands. All Premier League managers have the same feeling as I do – trying to finish the window and settle down.”
Spurs have been linked with a move for Lautaro Martinez, with fees of around £ 65million (€ 76.5million) reportedly agreed with Inter, though that move almost certainly hinges on leaving by Kane.
Without Kane, Spurs impressed in the 1-0 win over City – their first competitive game under former Wolves boss Nuno.
They recorded just 34.4% possession, but had only one effort less on target (three, against four for City) and kept the champions at bay after a meteoric departure from the team. by Guardiola.
Son’s strike 10 minutes into the second half settled the contest – the South Korean star has now scored seven times against City in all competitions for Spurs, with only Jamie Vardy (nine) making it. Many times.
With or without Kane, Nuno wants to foster a fierce team bond. Perhaps that is why Tanguy Ndombele – Spurs record signatory – and Serge Aurier were also left out.
“That was the idea – to go beyond your limits,” Nuno said.
“The boys went above and beyond their fight and discipline. The way they engaged was very good. That’s what we have to do every day of our lives.
“I’m very happy with the whole team. We are trying to create a unit, everyone has to be engaged, everyone has to be engaged.
“Of course, when the players play, they have everyone’s recognition but there is a lot more [happening] In the wings. Their commitment.
“We are in a process and we have to keep working hard.”
The defeat means City have lost their last three competitive games 1-0, the first time they have lost three straight games without scoring since 2007, while Guardiola suffered more away defeats to Spurs (five) than against any other team.
