Tottenham has been handed a boost in their bid to keep Harry Kane with Manchester City now tipped to wait for Erling Haaland instead.
City has spent much of this transfer window pursuing a move for the England captain.
He had told Spurs he wants to leave at the end of last season and remains keen to change clubs.
However, Spurs don’t want to sell because they still want him to lead them to win trophies which they believe they can achieve under Nuno Espirito Santo.
City isn’t giving up yet, but another top striker who they can sign if they wait until the new year is Haaland.
The Norwegian is a goal machine and is much younger than Kane. He will become available for around £64million from January, according to The Daily Mail.
Former Leeds forward, Noel Whelan has tipped them to wait for him instead of landing Kane now as the England captain is at the end of his career, while Haaland still has a long way to go.
He told Football Insider” “I think that could have an impact on how far City are willing to go for Kane, especially when you consider the difference between Haaland and Harry Kane’s age.
“This is going to be Harry Kane’s last move where Haaland could be sold later on if need be, even though Man City don’t need to sell anyone.
“I know the fee is £64million but it sounds like the agent is putting people off with his demands. It’s a stumbling block for a lot of clubs and we don’t know where City stand on that.
“But Haaland ticks a lot of boxes so maybe it would be worth holding out for him.
“In Harry Kane, City could sign a ready-made Premier League striker who would score a hatful of goals for Man City.”