Teddy Sheringham believes Manchester United should make a "statement" move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane after admitting he isn't blown away by the club's business so far.
Kane stayed at Tottenham last summer despite interest from Manchester City, and would not come cheap. However, with United looking to spend big on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, Sheringham has identified Kane and England teammate Declan Rice as better uses of his old club's transfer budget.
The treble-winning striker remains unconvinced by De Jong's ability to justify the numbers being quoted over a deal, with United agreeing a fee with Barcelona for the Dutch international but being made to wait while he joins his teammates in their pre-season tour squad. And Sheringham has encouraged his old employers to break the bank after what he considers to be some underwhelming signings in the new manager's first summer window.
"[De Jong is] a big name but I don't think he is one that is going to set the world alight at United and really come in and grab it by the scruff of the neck," Sheringham told The Mail. "If they'd have gone out and broken the bank for Declan Rice or Harry Kane - I know West Ham and Spurs fans are going to castigate me again for saying this sort of thing – but that is what you have got to do to make a statement.
"Ten Hag has got one hell of a job on his hands to change the vibe of the dressing room around but signings like that would change the whole ethos of where Man United are going. The signings that they've made are okay at best…and that is how fans will see it as well."
United confirmed on Sunday that they have reached an agreement for Argentina international Lisandro Martinez, who will become their third summer signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen. The Ajax star will cost an initial £46.8m, and will join on a five-year deal on £120,000 per week.
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Rice has been linked with United in the past, most notably during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time in chance. However, West Ham have been reluctant to sell the England international, who has taken over the captaincy after Mark Noble's retirement, with a massive asking price in place and manager David Moyes issuing a hands-off warning.
"No bids," Moyes told The Mail earlier in the month. We wouldn’t be taking any, anyway. We’ve said all along he’s not for sale."
Kane, like Rice, would command a significant transfer fee. While the England captain wouldn't be drawn on his long-term future, he enjoyed a fruitful end to last season under Antonio Conte and helped Tottenham return to the Champions League.
