Manchester United supremo Ed Woodward is keen to pit his wits against Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy as he looks to bring Harry Kane to Old Trafford.
The England marksman has been linked with an exit from north London with Champions League football looking unlikely next season.
United themselves may not be at Europe's top table either but with a rebuild needed at Tottenham the 26-year-old may seek pastures new.
Levy is notoriously difficult to deal with in the transfer market and his reputation put Sir Alex Ferguson off dealing with him when he target Luka Modric, reports the Evening Standard .
But Woodward is more than willing to go toe-to-toe with Levy.
Despite an indifferent record when it comes to recruitment and securing the club's transfer targets Woodward backs his negotiation skills.
During his first summer at the helm he was in for Gareth Bale before he went to Real Madrid - the Welshman's desire to move to Los Blancos the main reason behind the failed move.
Kane is yet to win any silverware during his career despite being part of a hugely impressive Tottenham side.
Under Mauricio Pochettino the north Londoners came second in the Premier League and reached the Champions League final but came up short.
Kane, now at the peak of his powers, will be desperate to add silverware to justify his undeniable talent.
United themselves have struggled since Ferguson retired in 2013 but have picked up three major honours in that time.
The Red Devils also have the financial means to continue competing with the world's elite.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear he wants to add homegrown talent to his squad and the addition of Kane would be a major coup.
