Antonio Conte insists it's "disrespectful" to talk about players at other clubs after Bayern Munich chiefs discussed the idea of signing Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Bayern CEO Oliver Khan and manager Julian Nagelsmann have both spoken about the possibility of luring Kane, 28, to Bavaria. The England captain has two years left on his deal and is unlikely to leave Spurs this summer... but he'll be aware of Bayern's interest.
Kane is one of the best strikers in European football, scoring at least 20 goals per season in each of the last eight seasons. He found the net 27 times for Tottenham last term and needs just three more goals to become England's record scorer alongside Wayne Rooney.
Despite his fabulous CV, Kane has never won a major honour for club or country - finishing as a runner-up in the Premier League, Champions League, EFL Cup (twice) and Euros. Bayern can all but guarantee silverware after winning 10 consecutive Bundesliga titles.
Conte is aware of Bayern's allure and has attempted to quash their interest in Kane with a strong message. The Tottenham boss is relying on Kane to inspire them to their first trophy in 15 years over the next 10 months, preferably the Premier League title.
"Honestly I didn't hear this," said Conte when asked about Bayern's interest. "For sure I'm a coach that doesn't speak about players from another team. I don't know why. The situation is very clear at Tottenham and Harry is a very important part of the project.
Do you think Harry Kane will join Bayern Munich in the near future? Let us know in the comments below!
"Only rumours but I don't like to talk about players from another club. If I want to do something I don't do it through the media. Maybe that's a bit disrespectful for the other club."
Bayern are on the hunt for a new striker after selling Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona for £42million earlier this month. The Poland international, 33, scored 50 goals for the German club last season but had just one year left on his contract.
Kane has been at Tottenham for 18 years and is reportedly open to signing a new contract. He penned a six-year deal in the summer of 2018 and attempted to complete a move to Manchester City 12 months ago, only for Spurs to reject their advances.
Speaking earlier today, Nagelsmann said: "Kane is very expensive - and that’s the problem. But he’s a brilliant player, one of two or three who can play as a centre forward. In the last couple of years he’s been more of a No.10.
"But Kane is very strong, brilliant with head and both feet. He could score a lot in the Bundesliga. I don’t know the price, but it’s really tough for Bayern Munich - but we’ll see what happens in the future."
Khan, meanwhile, has described Kane as Bayern's "dream signing". "He is under contract at Tottenham," said the ex-goalkeeper "Sure, he is an absolute top striker, but that's all a dream of the future. So let's see what happens."
