Transfer Centre

Paul Scholes not expecting Manchester United to sign Harry Kane

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 March 2023

Paul Scholes not expecting Man United to sign Harry Kane

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes doubts whether the club will be able to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane this summer.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has doubted whether the Red Devils will be able to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane during this summer's transfer window.

There is currently uncertainty surrounding Man United's summer budget, with the club's current owners the Glazers in discussions over a sale.

However, the Red Devils are expected to be active during the upcoming market, with a new centre-forward viewed as a priority.

Cristiano Ronaldo had been due to finish the campaign at Old Trafford, but the Portugal international's explosive interview with Piers Morgan towards the end of 2022 led to his departure.

Anthony Martial has struggled to stay fit this season, meanwhile, which has seen Wout Weghorst take an important role after arriving on loan from Burnley in January.

Paul Scholes after the match on February 16, 2021 © Reuters

As it stands, Weghorst will be returning to his parent club, while there have been suggestions that Martial could be allowed to depart on a permanent basis.

Kane continues to be heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the England captain believed to be considering his future at Tottenham.

The 29-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the London club's ongoing trophy struggles could see him seek a summer exit.

However, Scholes has doubted whether his former club will be able to sign Kane due to the tough negotiating skills of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

"I don't think Kane will leave Tottenham. I think it's difficult to deal with Dan Levy. I think [Victor] Osimhen is a great player, but I think he is more suited for Chelsea. I think Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan would suit [Erik] ten Hag's style of play," Scholes told BT Sport.

Harry Kane celebrates scoring for Tottenham Hotspur on January 23, 2023 © Reuters

Victor Osimhen is another player to be heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the 24-year-old enjoying a strong campaign at Napoli, scoring 23 goals and registering five assists in 28 appearances.

However, Scholes has claimed that Osimhen would be "more suited for Chelsea", with the Englishman picking out Lautaro Martinez as the ideal acquisition.

Martinez has long been linked with a move away from San Siro, and the Argentina international has enjoyed another strong campaign, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 37 appearances.

The 25-year-old has another three years left to run on his contract, though, and Inter will be sending Romelu Lukaku back to Chelsea this summer, making it even more difficult for the Red Devils to convince the Serie A giants to part with him in the upcoming market.