NO KANE DO

Harry Kane ‘pushed to limits’ by Antonio Conte as he praises Tottenham boss – but won’t be drawn on his club future

by · talkSPORT

Harry Kane is enjoying life under Antonio Conte but won’t be drawn into speculation over his Tottenham future beyond this season.

Kane was keen to leave Spurs last summer due to a lack of silverware, with Manchester City his preferred destination.

Kane has quashed rumours surrounding his future

Tottenham rebuffed Manchester City’s four bids for their star, and after a change of heart, the England international decided to stay put in north London and has netted 12 times so far this season.

Kane has made it clear his intentions were to start winning trophies, something he has failed to do during his long stint at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And while City were persistent in trying for Kane’s signature last summer, and are still actively looking for a new centre-forward, they are unlikely to make a fresh approach for him, given he turns 29 this July.

He was asked if he should consider sorting his future ahead of the World Cup with England in November.

“Obviously my main focus is just finishing this season first and foremost,” Kane said.

“We’re still in competition for the top four. I can’t control what will happen in the future. It’s a big year for everyone, not just me.

“It’s about controlling what I can control and doing what I can on the pitch. It’s important over the summer to stay focused on that and look forward to a fantastic tournament.”

Asked whether he has spoken to Antonio Conte about his future, Kane responded: “I’m not going to get into personal discussion between me and the manager.

“My main focus is to finish the season as well as possible. We have a big race to finish top four. The next ten games is all I’m focused on.”

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The 28-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Tottenhamgetty

The 28-year-old did, however, highlight the importance of Conte and praised the Italian since his arrival at Spurs.

“He’s a fantastic coach, we get on really well,” Kane said.

“He brings ideas to the game, how he wants me and the strikers to play. I’ve learnt different aspects of the game under him.

“I feel physically better knowing we train and work hard every day. I feel the benefit of that in how I feel physically and mentally with that sharpness. I’m in a really good place.

“I’m in good form but I feel like I can keep improving and Antonio will definitely keep pushing me to my limits. I enjoy having someone like that as a manager.”

Chingford-born Kane has been at Spurs since joining their academy at the age of 11.

He is their second all-time scorer with 243 goals – 23 behind Jimmy Greaves and 35 ahead of Bobby Smith.

For now, his focus is on England as they take on Switzerland on Switzerland on Saturday 26 March and Ivory Coast three days later in friendlies.

Southgate is hoping Kane helps England to glory

The fixtures will form a key part of Southgate’s squad’s preparation for this year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Kane will hoping to continue his fine goalscoring form and help fire his country to glory in eight months time.

And he believes the hurt from losing the Euro 2020 final last summer can help fuel England to glory.

“From where we were pre-World Cup 2018 to where we are now, we’ve made massive strides, with the squad, with the team, with the connection with the fans,” said Kane. “There’s definitely an expectation on us now.

“Obviously the final in the summer still hurts. It still has a bitter taste in the mouth but for sure it gives you more hunger, more fire in the belly to take that one step further and try to win a major tournament.

“We’re working towards that, we feel like we’re improving every year. Hopefully we can take big strides to becoming one of the best teams in the history of the England national team.”

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