Ange’s priority signing revealed… but it will cost him; Man Utd’s Kane back-up plan: Rumour Mill

Prior to his debut season in command at Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou apparently has a priority aim, though it won’t be cheap.

Meanwhile,Manchester United is still trying to sign Harry Kane, but the Red Devils are also looking at other front line options.For the most recent transfer rumors in the Premier League, keep reading!

ANGE’S PRIORITY SPURS SIGNING… BUT IT WON’T COME CHEAP

Prior to the Australian’s debut season as Tottenham’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou apparently picked his main objective, but it will cost him dearly.

Tottenham is anticipated to make a move for James Maddison, who will be sold by Leicester this summer following its relegation to the Championship, according to the UK’s Telegraph.

Tottenham is rumored to have received “the green light” from Postecoglou to launch an offer for Maddison this month. Maddison has more than a year left on his current contract.

However, the report claims that Leicester’s initial asking price is expected to be over £50 million ($A94m).

“Though there is an acceptance that Maddison can leave the club, Leicester are insisting that his market value is high due to a number of factors including his statistics, position and ‘homegrown’ status,” the report from the Telegraph states.

“After signing Maddison for a total £25 million from Norwich City in June 2018, there is also a 15 per cent sell-on clause from any profit which will go to his former club.

Postecoglou is set to implement his front-foot attacking football style at Tottenham once he takes over and Maddison would be a perfect fit, having impressed at the Foxes despite their struggles this past season.

Maddison had 10 goals and nine assists for Leicester and has also reportedly drawn interest from Newcastle United, further complicating Postecoglou’s potential pursuit of him.

Former Aston Villa player turned pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT this week that he believes Maddison wouldn’t even want to join Tottenham though.

“He would want to go bigger than Spurs,” Agbonlahor said.

“If I am James Maddison, then I am not going to Spurs. That ship has sailed. They finished eighth, with no European football.

“James Maddison will look at Newcastle. Perfect fit for him. You can see him in that Newcastle side. Playing Champions League football. Better project than what’s happening at Spurs. They are going in a better direction.

“If I am James Maddison, then I am not choosing Spurs, even though he would suit them. They are crying out for a number ten.”

“James Maddison will look at Newcastle. Perfect fit for him. You can see him in that Newcastle side. Playing Champions League football. Better project than what’s happening at Spurs. They are going in a better direction.

“If I am James Maddison, then I am not choosing Spurs, even though he would suit them. They are crying out for a number ten.”

MAN UTD’S BACK-UP PLAN IF KANE DOESN’T LEAVE SPURS

Elsewhere, speaking of Tottenham, Manchester United is said to have come up with a list of strikers to target should it not be able to make a play for Harry Kane this summer.

A report from The Athleticclaims manager Erik Ten Hag “is said to feel United do have a genuine chance” of signing Kane, who is entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

As a result, Ten Hag reportedly is hoping United football director John Murtough will at least “test” the resolve of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

That may be difficult though given last year’s failed pursuit of Frenkie de Jong which dragged on and amounted to nothing, reportedly leaving United executives “bruised”.

Of course, then there is the matter of other teams expressing interest in Kane which only further muddies the waters, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea said to be interested.

Madrid though may end up not being able to afford a play for the England captain after signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham on a £86 million ($A161m) deal.

Either way, if Levy decides against selling Kane it appears that United is prepared to look elsewhere for some much-needed strike up front.

“Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has let it be known he will not countenance selling the player to a Premier League rival,” the report from The Athletic claims.

“… If Levy sticks to his position, United would be prepared to wait until Kane is a free agent in 2024 — he is not expected to sign a contract extension at Spurs. Given the complications around Kane, United are exploring other centre-forward options.”

Atlanta’s Rasmus Hojlund is “prime among thoughts” according to the report, while Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is another potential target.

“There has also been a check on Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, 21, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. United are aware of Dusan Vlahovic’s availability at Juventus, but the 23-year-old’s wages are significant,” the report adds.