Paul Merson has urged Manchester City to stump up the cash required to bring Harry Kane to the Etihad Stadium, with the Arsenal icon suggesting that his ongoing transfer saga is hurting all parties involved. Kane is desperate to leave Tottenham ahead of this month’s transfer deadline, with the 28-year-old believed to be keen on a move to the defending Premier League champions.
City are known to harbour an interest in the England skipper, who scored and created more goals than any other player in the division last season.
Pep Guardiola is said to be looking for a new striker to replace Sergio Aguero, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer back in May.
However, the likelihood of a successful move for Kane appears to be dwindling with just days until the summer window slams shut.
Spurs have already rejected an initial offer in the region of £100million, with chairman Daniel Levy unwilling to sell his prized asset for anything less than a premium fee.
The controversial 59-year-old would reportedly be open to doing business for a minimum amount of £150m, but City have been reluctant to meet his demands as of yet.
JUST IN: Man City boss Pep Guardiola drops fresh Harry Kane transfer hint
Merson, who made 273 appearances for Arsenal during his professional career, has implored the Manchester heavyweights to pay up in order to resolve the situation this month.
The 53-year-old suggested that Kane will be deeply affected by the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future and that a move would be the best possible course of action for the player and both clubs.
“The longer the Harry Kane saga goes on, the more it hurts everyone involved,” wrote Merson in his Daily Star column.
“Tottenham had a great result without him [against City] but he’s one of the best players in the world. They’re paying his wages. They need him to play.
DON’T MISS
“It hurts Manchester City because they obviously need him too. They don’t have a single world-class centre forward and the league is more competitive than ever.
“But it’s hurting Harry Kane too because his reputation is being dragged through the mud. People always pointed to him as this perfect role model.
“The family man who never parties or steps out of line. But then he doesn’t show up for training and the fans are on his back.
“City can get away with it this weekend because they’re only playing Norwich. But they won’t get away with it forever.
“They’ve got to stop messing about and pay the price.”
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz
Kane has not featured in either of Tottenham’s competitive games so far this season but could return to action against Wolves on Sunday afternoon.
Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo revealed on Friday that a decision on his involvement was yet to be made, despite the forward having trained with the rest of the squad during the week.
“He’s going to train tomorrow [Saturday] and tomorrow we’re going to make a decision,” Nuno told reporters.
“I’m so sorry to keep on saying the same things but this is how we work. It’s a day-by-day situation and decisions are made when we feel that we should make them.
“We’re going to take the decision who is going to travel tomorrow. The reality is to take care with wise decisions.
“All the players that are involved with the training sessions are options for us.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
