Antonio Conte has admitted he has a ‘great connection’ with Harry Kane but hinted that Tottenham need to have a strong finish to the season to hold on to their talismanic striker.
Unsurprisingly, the speculation over Kane’s future has resurfaced ahead of the summer transfer window as the striker will have just two years left to run on his contract with Spurs at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).
Reports indicate that Manchester United are keen to snap up England captain irrespective of who takes over as head coach from Ralf Rangnick (The Athletic).
One factor which could influence Kane’s decision is the fact that the 2022 World Cup is set to be played in the winter rather than during the off-season.
When asked if the 28-year-old should stay at Spurs to avoid upheaval ahead of the World Cup, Conte responded (via Football.London): “I think that my answer is not useful!
“You’re talking about a player that every manager wants in his own team. You know there’s a great connection with Harry.
“He’s a really world-class striker and one of the most important players in the world. For sure, yes, (laughs) if I have to decide for him [he should stay]… and it would be very important to have a good end to the season.
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“Every single player understands that we are in the right way to become a strong team and are ready to fight for an important target. This is very important. Now we have nine games and have to be focused. The players have to be focused to give their maximum.
“To finish in the Champions League would be a great achievement for everybody and allow us to take different decisions and good decisions for me. For sure it will be very important.”
Conte also spoke about how having the World Cup in mid-season affects his plans for next season, admitting that the players might have to be put through two pre-seasons instead of just one.
When asked about the World Cup being played in winter, the Spurs boss said: “It’s a new situation for everybody to have a World Cup during the season, it will be very difficult.
“For this reason, I think next season we’ll need two pre-seasons. The first in July and the second in December.
“I’m happy for the players, for Harry to play a World Cup. To play in a World Cup, it’s the big tournament that every single player wants to play.
“Unfortunately, for the second time, Italy missed this opportunity and we’re very disappointed for this situation. We know the World Cup is a great tournament and we’ll try to bring our players in the best physical condition.”
Spurs Web Opinion
We know how much it means to Harry to play for England and he will be desperate to go all the way in the World Cup. So, I doubt the striker would try to force himself out like he did last summer, in case Spurs decide that he is not for sale.
I expect the 28-year-old to stay at Tottenham one more season but I do not think he will sign a new contract with the club, even if we get back into the Champions League.
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