London, Tuesday

Tottenham believe they are winning the battle to keep Harry Kane as it emerged Manchester City’s opening offer for the striker was worth only a guaranteed £75million.

Chairman Daniel Levy has been adamant all summer that Kane is not for sale, and with just seven days left until the transfer deadline, his will to keep the England captain has not wavered.

Indeed, the feeling inside Tottenham is that any move for Kane is virtually impossible with Levy more determined than ever to fend off fresh advances from the Etihad.

City are expected to launch a fresh bid to land Kane this week and it remains to be seen whether meeting Spurs’ £150m valuation would suddenly alter his club’s stance.

As it stands there is a significant disparity between the two clubs’ valuations of the player.

Sportsmail understands City’s well-documented £100m formal offer for Kane in June was made up of £75m in cash with an extra £25m in add-ons.

As we revealed last week, sources close to Kane believe City have expressed to Tottenham that they are prepared to offer a deal worth £125m, though there has been no confirmation that a bid that size has been formally tabled.

City are faced with either turning their attentions away from Kane in the search for Sergio Aguero’s replacement, bidding above the amount they believe the Tottenham striker is worth, or going into the season with what they have.

Kane appears to have underlined his commitment to Spurs in recent days with two social media posts and made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in Sunday’s win at Wolves.

Gary Neville, whose interview with Kane sparked the big summer transfer saga, told Sky Sports on Monday night that his former club Manchester United could win the title by signing him this week.

Spurs, meanwhile, have stepped up their interest in Adama Traore, 25, who they hope to sign on an initial loan from Wolves +5

Spurs, meanwhile, have stepped up their interest in Adama Traore, 25, who they hope to sign on an initial loan from Wolves

‘I think if Kane went to United they could get up to 90-95 points,’ said Neville. 

‘They’re going to have to buy a centre forward at some point, why not get the man now and give Ole (Solskjaer) the impetus he needs to get to that points total.’

Spurs, meanwhile, have stepped up their interest in Adama Traore, 25, who they hope to sign on an initial loan from Wolves before next Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

Sportsmail reported earlier this month that Traore was on Spurs’ list of targets. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo is keen on a reunion with Spain winger Traore, who he worked with at Molineux.     – Daily Mail