Graeme Souness believes Harry Kane's destination if he leaves Tottenham in the summer transfer window could decide the Premier League title battle next year.
The England captain wants to leave the north London club in the summer, following on from another trophy-barren campaign with the club.
Manchester United and Manchester City were instantly discussed as contenders for the forward, who turns 28 in July, in what would be a mega-money deal.
City will be in the market for a striker this summer, with Sergio Aguero set to depart, while United 's situation has changed with Edinson Cavani penning a new deal.
However, Souness believes a transfer to either club is on the cards and added it could be the catalyst to deciding the destination of the trophy next year.
“I think all in all, City are the team to beat. The worst case scenario for the rest of them in the Premier League is if they get Kane or [Erling] Haaland this year," he told Sky Sports.
"Harry Kane has now said he wants to leave, he’d be a fantastic signing for anyone that gets him. For Man United, if he was to go there, that alone could propel them into challenging for the Premier League.
"I personally think they need a centre-half and a different type of midfielder and an out-and-out centre-forward and there’s no one better than Harry. They’ll have the budget to do that, regardless of all the criticism the owners get.
"If City were to get him, you’d arguably give the title to them - barring any injuries - by the end of August. That would just make them untouchable.”
Kane has been in sensational form this season, leading the Premier League's scoring charts with 22 goals and also contributing 13 assists.
