Harry Kane responds to Barcelona transfer ‘compliment’ after Bayern Munich release clause twist

Harry Kane has responded to speculation linking him with a big money transfer from Bayern Munich to Barcelona this summer.

Kane is the top scorer in Europe this season with 28 league goals in just 23 appearances and the 32-year-old is soon to be entering the final year of his contract.

Bayern are desperate to keep hold of Kane and are aiming to tie him down to a new deal imminently, particularly with interest from Barcelona and the Premier League.

Barca are set to hold their presidential elections next month and one candidate, Xavi Vilajoana, claimed this week that contact had already been made with Kane to bring the striker to the Nou Camp.However, Kane denied the speculation and insisted he was committed to Bayern, even if he was flattered by the links to Barcelona.

“I haven’t heard anything about it,” Kane said. “My father and brother handle everything, but they haven’t said anything to me. As I’ve already said, I’m very happy here at Bayern. I’m focused on this season and my time at Bayern. I take it as a compliment.”

Kane set for Bayern Munich stay after release clause expiry

Speculation had increased over Kane’s future amid his contract situation, particularly with his deal having a release clause that would have allowed him to leave this summer for around €60 million.

However, for the clause to be active, Kane would have been required to inform Bayern in January of his desire to leave in the summer – something which did not end up happening.

Consequently, Bayern executive Uli Hoeness confirmed earlier this month that the clause had ‘expired’ and that the club were under ‘no pressure’ to sell their star man.

Barcelona had considered Kane as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski this summer, with Vilajoana claiming the England captain would be a ‘great fit’ for the Catalans.

“We’ve already made some contact, and I think he’s a player who would be a great fit, pending his contractual situation: it’s Harry Kane,” Vilajoana said

“Kane is a centre-forward who would fit in perfectly with our style of play. He’s a striker who is capable of dropping back to link up with his team-mates. He is also capable of playing as a pure No.9, a killer, a finisher. He is a player who brings mobility. He also performs well when teams sit deep. He would add a lot of value to Barcelona’s game.”

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