Chelsea believe that Tottenham could be tempted into selling Harry Kane to a Premier League rival, with ESPN reporting that Tammy Abraham, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Callum Hudson-Odoi may be used as makeweights.
In a market strained by the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel Levy’s £150 million asking price means Kane is facing up to the prospect of being locked in something of a gilded cage at Spurs.
Every European giant worth their salt is a big fan of the England number nine, arguably the finest centre-forward in modern football.
But liking Kane and being able to afford him are two very different things.
Chelsea are unlikely to stump up a British record fee for a 27-year-old with a series of ankle injuries and, even if they could afford him, Levy would be loathe to sell Tottenham’s homegrown hero to one of their bitter rivals.
According to ESPN, however, there is some belief, in the Chelsea camp, that Spurs’ arms could be twisted.
The Blues believe that Tottenham may be tempted by the idea of accepting a cash-plus-player deal, with £71 million goalkeeper Kepa one potential makeweight.
It is no secret that Spurs are looking for a replacement for Hugo Lloris, although Kepa’s ill-fated spell in West London means he would arrive at the club with a massive point to prove.
ESPN adds that the £40 million-rated Abraham is another candidate.
A penalty-box poacher with huge potential, the former Aston Villa loanee would at least compensate for some of the goals Tottenham will lose if Kane does go.
Perhaps the most intriguing option, however, is the jet-heeled winger Hudson-Odoi. At this stage, no one knows whether the 20-year-old will develop into a truly elite-level attacker or simply plateau; a lack of end product holding him back.
Either way, a direct dribbler with searing pace would certainly give Tottenham a new dimension in the final third.
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