Man Utd ready to let problem player join Tottenham to help swing Harry Kane transfer with handy discount

Man Utd could use Tottenham interest in a player unwanted by Erik ten Hag to help sign Harry Kane for a significantly reduced sum, per reports.

It’s no secret the Red Devils are targeting an elite centre-forward this summer. Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are understood to be their primary targets, though neither will be easy to sign.

Indeed, in lieu of Osimhen’s mesmeric season in which he’s scored 25 goals in just 29 matches, his valuation has reportedly soared to £150m.

Kane, meanwhile, can reportedly be signed for a more modest £100m, though according to the Times, only if that sum is paid up front and in one giant lump sum. If United propose a deal that includes instalments or add-ons, the sum required will be higher.

United are also hesitant over entering into a protracted transfer saga with Tottenham. Daniel Levy doesn’t hold a reputation as being a tough negotiator for nothing.

However, according to ESPN, there is a way Man Utd can help smoothen the process.

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They report United may use Spurs’ interest in reserve goalkeeper Dean Henderson as a bargaining chip in discussions.

Henderson, 26, is currently on a season-long loan at Nottingham Forest after leaving United under a cloud last summer.

Indeed, an ill-advised and explosive interview with talkSPORT saw Henderson reveal he was “fuming” at Man Utd after labelling the way he was treated by the club as “criminal”.

Henderson’s loan deal at Forest does not contain an option to buy, meaning he’ll return to Old Trafford at season’s end. For how long is another matter entirely.

Indeed, David de Gea is currently in talks over extending his contract. Behind the Spaniard, ESPN note Man Utd hope to sign a new number two. Brentford’s David Raya is wanted and available for transfer this summer. A more high profile option would be FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.

Tom Heaton would then slot in as third-choice if the 12-month option in his contract is triggered, leaving Henderson out in the cold.

ESPN state Spurs are interested in signing Henderson as they look for a successor to Hugo Lloris. The veteran Frenchman is not what he once was and currently leads the league in errors leading to a goal with four.

Henderson is being sized up along with Everton’s Jordan Pickford. However, unless Everton go down, Pickford will be the far more difficult of the two to sign.

The report adds Tottenham’s interest in Henderson could ‘encourage’ Levy to be more receptive to a Kane exit.

The inference there is Henderson could be used as a makeweight to slightly reduce Kane’s transfer fee, but also provide Tottenham with a readymade and proven starter in a problem position.

Henderson is currently valued around the £20m mark by online outlet Transfermarkt.

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