Manchester United warned that signing Harry Kane will lead to 'nightmare' scenario

A Manchester United legend has urged his former team not to sign striker Harry Kane this summer.

Kane’s current contract with Tottenham Hotspur runs for another year, however, the 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his attacking options in the hope of mounting a serious Premier League title challenge next season.

United have enjoyed something of a revival this term, lifting the Carabao Cup in February as well as being on course to finish in the top four. In June, they have the chance of claiming a domestic cup double when they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley.

Tottenham, by contrast, have endured another season of disappointment. Currently in seventh spot, level on points with Aston Villa, they are in danger of falling out of the European places with two games left and the club is currently without a permanent replacement for Antonio Conte, who left the club by mutual consent at the end of March.

Despite such troubles, Kane has netted 29 goals in 47 appearances this term and, earlier this year, surpassed Wayne Rooney’s 53-goal tally to become the England men’s team’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Losing Kane, the club captain and record marksman, would only add to the growing concerns of Tottenham fans. However, ex-United striker Andy Cole, who scored close to a goal every two games during a successful six year spell at Old Trafford, believes it would be a mistake to acquire the services of the £100million-valued forward.

Speaking to William Hill, Cole said: “Manchester United can’t go with a short-term solution again.

"They can’t go and spend £80 million or £100 million on Harry Kane. In two years’ time they’ll turn round and say to themselves, ‘he’s 32, we need to get ourselves another striker’. They can’t afford to find themselves in that position again.

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“When you look at the recognised strikers that Manchester United have had, you look at the likes of Robin van Persie, but the crazy thing is that he only stayed for two years, and ever since then it has just been one after another for two years.

"A football club like Manchester United cannot just keep having different strikers for two years at a time, it’s ridiculous.

"They know now that they have to sign someone who is going to give them five years."

Tottenham complete their season with a home tie against Brentford followed by a trip to Leeds on the final day where they will be hoping to nail down a Europa Conference League place.