Man Utd target Harry Kane hints he could remain at Tottenham as trophy claim made

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Harry Kane after the striker hinted he could remain at Tottenham next season.

Kane, 29, has enjoyed another excellent individual campaign, scoring 28 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions.

But that has not been enough to end Tottenham's 15-year wait for a major trophy, with the club sixth in the Premier League and no longer in contention in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Kane will have just one year remaining on his Spurs contract at the end of the season and may seek a move away this summer in search of silverware.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with the England captain, with Erik ten Hag reportedly making Kane his No 1 transfer target.

Ten Hag is desperate to sign a new striker after allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the club in November, with the Old Trafford club opting to sign Wout Weghorst on loan as a short-term replacement.

Man Utd plotting bid for Kane

Sky Sports News reporter Melissa Reddy claims United are 'ready to explore' a deal for Kane but says Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy's current stance is that the striker is not for sale.

Reddy claims that Kane himself would need to force through a move.

However, Kane has hinted he could be willing to remain at Spurs, even if they finish in seventh and qualify for the Europa Conference League – with Brighton only two points behind them having played three games less.

"We've got three games left, a big game against Villa next week away," Kane said.

"Obviously Brighton have a few games in hand on us. If we can come away from this season with European football, that's a small prize at the end of a tough season.

"We'll be fighting for that and fighting in the three games to try to pick up three wins.

"Ultimately I like to play football games no matter what competition it is. That's what you deserve from where you finish in the season."

Speaking about the possibility of playing in the Conference League next season, Kane added: "You can't disrespect any competition that you play in.

"It's one of those, if you end up in the Conference League and win it, it's worth it. If you don't, then people probably look at it as an inconvenience.

"But when you've been at a club where we haven't won a trophy for 15 years, if we do end up in it, it could be an opportunity to try and put that to bed."