Neville fears ‘messy’ Kane saga and Levy battle ‘not many win’

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has slammed the unexpected behaviour of Harry Kane and feels he should be wary of taking on Daniel Levy.

Kane, 28, was due back in training on Monday after an extended break following Euro 2020. The England skipper led the Three Lions to the final of the summer showpiece. And, following a gruelling 2020-21, was allowed three weeks away.

That period has now expired but he was a no-show on Monday. The media went into overdrive as he repeated the dose on Tuesday.

The striker has been linked with a record-breaking move to Manchester City. He made it clear earlier this year that he would like a new challenge and chance to win silverware.

City would certainly provide that but there is an impasse over his price tag. Spurs value him at around £160m and that appears too much even for cash-rich club like the Citizens.

And it seems as though the saga could run and run before it reaches a conclusion. Neville has been an interested observer.

And the former Manchester United defender admitted his surprise at the stance Kane has taken.

“If Harry Kane was meant to report to pre-season training with Tottenham on Monday, then he should’ve come back,” he told Sky Sports. “You can never advocate any player not turning up for training – it’s as simple as that.

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“You’ve got to turn up and you’ve got to do your job. However, I’ve worked with Harry and I can’t think of a more professional footballer that I’ve ever seen.

“He does everything right, so he must be seriously annoyed. Something has happened badly that has made him do that.”

Kane ready for Levy battle

Spurs chairman Levy is known as a tough negotiator and one who does not suffer fools. He will not let his prized possession leave for anything but top dollar.

It looks like being a summer of brinkmanship from all parties concerned. And Neville has cautioned against Kane being too stubborn in his showdown with the 59-year-old.

“He’s taken Daniel Levy on,” he added. “Not many do it, not many come out of it the other side, but it’ll be interesting to see which club’s involved. It looks like City.

“City make the bid, the number is not enough. Harry thinks it is enough, Daniel doesn’t think it is enough.

“Whether they can come to a compromise together and hopefully they can. If they can’t, then it’s going to be a little bit messy for a few weeks because Harry wants to leave.”

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