Manchester United have reportedly made Tottenham striker Harry Kane their top priority when addressing their attacking options at the end of the season.

Kane, 29, has already stamped his legacy as one of the Premier League's greatest ever strikers, sitting third on the all-time goals list in the competition with 201. He also owns the record for the most goals ever scored for Tottenham (268) and is tied for the most goals representing England (53).

Despite his decorated personal resume, Tottenham are set for a 15th consecutive season without any silverware, and with their Champions League hopes for next campaign hanging on by a thread, they may have run out of time to prove to their star striker why he should stay.

TOP STORY – UNITED DETERMINED TO BRING KANE TO OLD TRAFFORD

According to the Manchester Evening News, Erik ten Hag has identified Kane as his primary target.

The report adds that they remain interested in Napoli's Victor Osimhen, as well as Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, but Kane is the top priority if they can make it happen.

With only one more season remaining on his contract, Kane will likely get his wish to leave if he decides he will certainly not sign a new deal, as the club would be risking a potential £100million sale if they hold onto him through the next transfer deadline.

But just because Tottenham may sell him does not mean he would land at Old Trafford, with Bayern Munich's well-documented interest still prevalent.

ROUND-UP

– Calciomercato is reporting Inter are interested in bringing in towering 24-year-old Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca from West Ham after a disappointing first season in the Premier League.

– According to Mundo Deportivo, 25-year-old Tottenham striker Richarlison is a candidate to replace Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, while Calciomercato adds Juventus are also keeping a close eye on Richarlison's availability.

– Roberto Firmino has offered his services to Barcelona as he seeks a new team for next season, per Sport.

– Football Insider is reporting Manchester United are in "pole position" to meet the £70m (€79m) asking price to sign 25-year-old Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, despite his repeated comments that he has no interest in leaving Spain.

– Journalist Rudy Galetti claims Chelsea are interested in a pair of 28-year-old centre backs – Aymeric Laporte of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez.

Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland could adapt his game to play in any country after a hugely impressive first season in the Premier League.

City signed Haaland from Germany's Borussia Dortmund, while he previously played in Austria for Salzburg and his native Norway for Molde.

Although his link-up play has occasionally been criticised, Haaland's goalscoring talent has endured across every league.

He has 27 goals already in the Premier League, closing on the single-season record of 34, but Guardiola expects it would be a similar story in any division.

Asked if Haaland was particularly well suited to playing in England, Guardiola replied: "And I would say in Germany, in Spain, in Italy, in Norway, in Congo, everywhere.

"These types of players adapt everywhere; in Africa, South America, no problem."

Haaland's goals tally might have been even more impressive had Kevin De Bruyne performed on a slightly more consistent basis this season.

Guardiola is sticking by the midfielder, however, acknowledging his team since arriving at City has been "Kevin and 10 more".

"If Kevin is fit, he is ready," the manager said, also confirming Kyle Walker would be available to face Crystal Palace following an incident at a club that was captured on CCTV. The England defender appeared to pull his trousers down, with Cheshire Police looking into the matter.

City will hope to beat Palace on Saturday and again apply pressure to league leaders Arsenal, who responded last week by dramatically beating Bournemouth.

That result was huge for Arsenal, but Guardiola insisted it had no adverse impact on City.

"Of course we take a look. We have to do our job and take a look," Guardiola said. "You see it's 0-2 and after 2-2 and after it's six minutes extra time, they score after.

"So, it's a pity. It would be better with a draw.

"We have to admit we are used to this for Liverpool. How many times in the last few seasons they scored in the last minutes at Anfield? How many?

"It was one of the biggest talents for Liverpool to scored in the last minute. I've lived it in the last three, four years, when we fought against them and battled many, many times."

Pep Guardiola wants to see Kyle Walker and everyone at Manchester City behaving like adults but insisted he should not have to police their off-duty business like a strict father.

The City manager passed no public judgement on Walker's behaviour in a bar that led to negative headlines this week, other than to say it had been dealt with internally.

The England international was shown on CCTV footage, published by The Sun, with friends at a venue where he apparently pulled down his trousers.

It was alleged by the newspaper that Walker indecently exposed himself, with the incident said to have happened last Sunday. Cheshire Police is looking into the matter.

Guardiola said Walker can count on his support after a week in the spotlight and stressed he was available for selection for Saturday's Premier League game at Crystal Palace.

"We have to adapt to the reality," Guardiola said at a press conference. "Everybody knows it, and today they are exposed 24 hours for everything. Private life doesn't exist any more out of their home."

Guardiola was asked whether he had called Walker in to remind him of his responsibilities.

The 32-year-old full-back is among the most senior of City's players, and this is not his first brush with off-field controversy. He was accused of breaching lockdown during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, with City taking a dim view of his first alleged breach when he was said to have held a party at his home.

Guardiola said of the latest incident: "I spoke with him, but we're adults. I'm not a father. I'm a friend of him. I know in the past many things happen. He and everyone can count on me with the personal issues.

"I don't have to tell him that you don't have to behave in that way. He's an adult. The club is there all the time. I like to feel they can count on us in the good and bad moments."

Guardiola stressed: "Everybody knows that the only place I think is safe is inside at home, lock the door. The moment you unlock the door, you are exposed.

"Today it's completely different to 15, 20 years ago. Now you have to adapt, the players know it."

Antonio Conte believes Tottenham are willing to be patient with him but unrealistic Spurs fans are not.

Pressure is building on Conte following a poor run that ended Tottenham's hopes of winning silverware for another season.

Spurs exited the FA Cup to Sheffield United and the Champions League to Milan, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have games in hand in the Premier League top-four chase.

Conte remains in his post for now, but supporter sentiment appears to have turned – something the coach has noted.

"Here, the patience has finished for the fans," Conte said. "The fans want to win a trophy. Stop.

"And then you have to find the right solution to make the fans happy and to win a trophy. Because the patience of the fans has finished. And we feel this. I feel this. The players feel this. For sure, this [does] not help the situation.

"There are many players, also young players, that need to go step by step to grow. We are trying to build something important but if you don't have patience, it is not useful."

He added: "We are far from being competitive to fight to win. I say we need time, we need patience.

"I see that here the environment has no patience, or maybe the environment doesn't want to understand the reality.

"The club has the patience. But the problem is the club also has to make happy the fans, because the fans for many, many years are waiting to win something.

"I understand that it's not easy for the club, not easy to invest a lot of money, and you are [not] sure to win. Maybe your probability improves, but we know we have to fight against top, top teams.

"You have to create the right atmosphere, the right unity, the right spirit, to be solid, for everybody to have the same idea. Or you have to believe in a miracle, and there is a big, big job to do here.

"I can put it all on myself, but I don't want to kill myself. I have to take all the considerations, also for myself. If I have to put the stress and pressure only to myself, it is not right.

"It's difficult for me to realise this situation because I am putting everything, me and the staff. At the same time, I understand that maybe it's not enough.

"If I have to become [someone for] the people to take as a target? No. I am not this person."

Saturday's Match of the Day will have a new format without a host or studio pundits after Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and other leading names backed presenter Gary Lineker.

The BBC announced on Friday that Lineker would not be involved in this week's edition of the hugely popular British football show after he became involved in a political row following a Twitter post.

Lineker would be absent from Match of the Day "until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media", the BBC said, but it soon became clear he had the support of a number of colleagues.

Wright and Shearer, the show's two leading pundits who were due to feature on Saturday, announced they had told the BBC they would not be appearing.

As Micah Richards, Jermaine Jenas and Alex Scott joined the pair in standing by Lineker, the BBC's options for an alternative line-up became increasingly thin.

Ultimately, a statement from the broadcaster appeared to acknowledge it had not been possible to put a studio team together.

"Some of our pundits have said that they don't wish to appear while we seek to resolve the situation with Gary," it read.

"We understand their position and have decided that the programme will focus on match action without studio presentation or punditry."

Lineker had criticised the UK government's new asylum policy, comparing language being used by current politicians to the voices expressed in Nazi Germany.

Condemning the policy, the former England striker posted: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?"

Graham Potter acknowledges any new Chelsea contract for Mason Mount must be right for the player, who has been linked with a move away after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge. 

Mount's current Blues deal expires at the end of next season and, with fresh terms yet to be agreed, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in the midfielder.

The 24-year-old has missed Chelsea's last two games – wins over Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund – through injury, though he started just one of their previous four matches across all competitions.

Potter outlined his desire for a swift resolution to Mount's talks with the club last month, but with no visible progress being made, he accepts the England international may need to take his time.

"Ultimately it is between the club and Mason," Potter said on Friday. "I have spoken to him numerous times about his situation, football and life generally. 

"My feelings for Mason are clear. He is a fantastic person firstly, but sometimes these things happen. 

"They are just complicated and it is best that I speak little about it, let them get on with it in deciding what is right for both parties. 

"I am not naive. I know it is an important time for him and an important contract. These things have to be right for him and his family. It's important he makes a decision on that basis."

Mount has made 32 appearances for Chelsea this season, 26 of them starts, with his tally of six goal contributions only bettered by Raheem Sterling (10) and Kai Havertz (eight) in an underwhelming campaign for the Blues.

Gary Lineker will not present Match Of The Day on Saturday evening after the former England striker became involved in a political row, the BBC announced.

The 62-year-old will not host the hugely popular British football show until an agreement has been reached with the organisation over his social media use, after he criticised the UK government's new asylum policy on Tuesday.

In a statement, the BBC said: "The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.

"The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match Of The Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.

"When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.

"We have never said that Gary should be an opinion-free zone, or that he can't have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies."

Lineker used Twitter to condemn the government policy, posting: "There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I'm out of order?"

Shortly after the BBC's announcement that Lineker would not be involved on Saturday, pundit and former Arsenal striker Ian Wright stated he would not be on the Premier League highlights show either, out of choice in his case.

"Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow [Saturday]. Solidarity," Wright posted on Twitter.

Antonio Conte is ready to "die" for Tottenham until the end of the season but knows fans have run out of patience with him.

The pressure on Conte intensified after Spurs crashed out of the Champions League following a drab goalless draw with Milan on Wednesday.

Tottenham were beaten 1-0 in the first leg at San Siro and could not mount a fightback, bowing out at the round-of-16 stage to dash hopes of ending their 15-year trophy drought.

The London club have lost seven of their 15 games this year and although they occupy fourth place in the Premier League, Liverpool and Newcastle United are hot on their heels.

Conte, who was appointed as head coach in November 2021, is only under contract until the end of June and although it appears unlikely he will remain in the role, the Italian will continue to give his all.

He said on Friday: "You know my opinion and my desire. I've said to you a lot of times and during the press conference that the situation I have found - we are far [away from being able] to aspire to be competitive and try to win.

"For a long time I've said we need time, we need patience and I see that here the environment has no patience, or maybe the environment doesn't want to understand the reality.

"If no one wants to understand this and for sure I don't speak about my future because the club knows very well which is my situation, my thoughts. We can't do miracles. If I have become to people a target then no, I'm not this person. The reality is this.

"We need time and patience. I understood that here the patience finished for the fans, for the environment and then we'll see what happens in the future.

"Until the end, I am ready to die for this club, but then we'll see because I'm not so stupid to continue to kill myself."

He added: "You know with the club we signed a contract, a strange contract one-year-and-a-half. Usually you sign for three years, but I think it was for the club and for myself to see the situation.

"For the club to understand my personality, my capacity as a coach and for me - from my side it was the same. To understand if we were on the same page.

"Now after one year and a half, the club knows me, I know the club and it is clear this situation. We have to finish the season and then we will see.

"The club knows very well my thoughts. I am ready to die for this club until the end of the season."

Tottenham will attempt to respond to their Champions League heartbreak by beating Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday.

Darwin Nunez says Liverpool "can't afford to relax" after their 7-0 win against Manchester United, and must attack their next game against Bournemouth "like lions".

Jurgen Klopp's men have had a turbulent season but a recent resurgence saw them thrash their old rivals at Anfield last week, putting them back in the race for the top four in the Premier League.

Nunez has scored 14 goals and recorded four assists in 31 appearances for Liverpool since his big-money move from Benfica last year, including scoring twice in Sunday's win over United.

Liverpool travel to Bournemouth on Saturday having beaten the Cherries 9-0 at Anfield earlier this season, but the Uruguay striker knows they cannot be underestimated.

"We can't afford to relax now just because we beat Manchester United 7-0," he told Liverpool's official website. "We have to go into this game with the same mentality and with that same will to win in order to bring the three points home – which is what we want to keep climbing the table.

"In the first game [this season] against [Bournemouth] we beat them 9-0 if I'm not wrong, but this is a different game now. We have to go there to try to beat them again.

"It's like what happened with Manchester United, they beat us [2-1 at Old Trafford] but then it was a different game and we managed to score seven goals. That's football – things can turn around. We have to go there and be strong with the same positive mentality."

The 9-0 game in August saw Bournemouth sack Scott Parker as head coach, since replaced by Gary O'Neil, and Nunez was impressed by their efforts in last Saturday's last-minute 3-2 loss at league leaders Arsenal.

"They're coming into this game in decent form and you can see the changes they've made in their performances," he said. "Against Arsenal, for example, they put in a great performance and were just unlucky to concede in the last minute – but that's football for you.

"Now we have to go and play against them and go there with a positive mindset, not relax for a minute and go out there like lions from the very first second."

Nunez has slowly developed a partnership with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo since his arrival at the end of last season and Gakpo's in January, with the trio scoring six of their seven goals against United (two each).

"Salah is just another thing altogether – he's an absolute star," Nunez said of the Egyptian. "And Gakpo, he got here when we weren't in the best form and he had to settle in as well. We needed to have time training together and now you can see that we're developing a better understanding.

"I hope that keeps going in the same way and that those up front can bring lots of happiness to the fans because they deserve it."

Richarlison's assessment of his debut season at Tottenham was correct in the eyes of Antonio Conte.

The Brazilian forward caused a stir following Spurs' Champions League exit at the hands of AC Milan, describing the campaign as "s***".

Richarlison, who is yet to score for the north London side in the Premier League, was also perceived to have questioned Conte's management amid growing pressure on the Italian.

The Tottenham boss does not see it that way, however, believing the comments were not a direct criticism of him, while agreeing with Richarlison's views on his campaign.

However, he also feels the former Everton man made a mistake when referencing himself rather than the team as a collective.

"He didn't criticise me. He said his season was s***and he's right. His season has been not good," he told a press conference.

"He had injuries, played and scored in the Champions League and then went to the World Cup and then had a serious injury. He's scored no goals for us.

"I think he was really honest to say his season was not good. His season has not finished yet. If he deserves to play, I'll give him the opportunity.

"For the rest of the interview, I think he made a mistake. When you speak of 'I' and not 'us' you are being selfish. I say to my players if we want to build something important and win a trophy we have to speak with 'we' not with 'I', because otherwise you're thinking of yourself.

"He made a mistake and he apologised and it was good for me to clarify with the team again about this. In this aspect we have to improve. We have to be more of a team and show more spirit positive, especially in negative moments."

Reece James will miss Chelsea's trip to Leicester City on Saturday through illness, but boss Graham Potter is hopeful N'Golo Kante will make his long-awaited return next week.

James has endured a frustrating few months, making just 11 Premier League appearances this season and missing England's World Cup campaign after suffering a knee injury ahead of the tournament.

The wing-back missed last Saturday's 1-0 win over Leeds United with a hamstring issue, though he returned as Chelsea overcame a Champions League last-16 deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, easing the pressure on Potter.

The latest setback to befall James will see him sit out Chelsea's trip to the King Power Stadium, while fellow England international Raheem Sterling is also a doubt.

"Reece has been ill and he's not trained today, so he won't make the game tomorrow," Potter explained at Friday's pre-match press conference.

"Raheem had a feeling in his hamstring, more tightness than anything, so he's looking doubtful for tomorrow as well."

Six of Chelsea's nine Premier League wins this season have come in the 11 games in which James has featured. The Blues have won just three of their 14 matches without the 23-year-old.

Chelsea count the likes of Kante and Thiago Silva among their more long-term absentees, with the former last featuring in August's 2-2 draw with Tottenham after suffering a hamstring injury and the latter aiming to return in April from a knee problem.

While Potter ruled out Kante returning against the midfielder's former team, the Blues boss revealed next week's home clash with Everton was a realistic target.

Asked whether Kante would be available at Leicester, Potter said: "No, he won't. He still needs some more time to build up. We're aiming more towards Everton, but unfortunately it won't be tomorrow.

"The most important thing for [Kante and Silva] is to get them back injury-free. The more good players we have, the better."

Chelsea's back-to-back victories have gone some way to easing pressure on Potter, after he watched his team win just one of their first 11 matches of the calendar year.

Asked if he felt a weight had been lifted in the last week, Potter said: "Yeah, in some way. It's always nicer to win, it's as simple as that. Everything feels a bit better, like you've taken a step forward.

"But I'm not getting carried away, it's just two wins. We have to focus on Leicester. The boys have stuck together through a bad time, and there's a lot to be said for that.

"The supporters have been really fair. Results-wise we haven't done that well, so you understand the criticism.

"It's hard for them to get behind something when the results aren't something to get behind. I have nothing to say about how we've been treated by the supporters, they've been great."

Pep Guardiola has reminded Manchester City's players they cannot expect privacy after footage of Kyle Walker's behaviour in a bar led to negative headlines this week.

The City and England defender was shown on CCTV footage, published by The Sun, with friends at a venue where he apparently pulled down his trousers.

The newspaper alleged Walker indecently exposed himself, with the incident said to have happened last Sunday. Cheshire Police has confirmed it is looking into the matter.

Guardiola said it was "a private issue" and he would not discuss Walker's conduct.

"We solved it internally, speaking with him," Guardiola said in his regular Friday pre-match press conference. "Of course, this is not the place to talk about private situations."

Asked if players needed to be extra cautious when out and about, given the chances of being on camera, Guardiola said: "Yes, definitely, it's completely different than years ago, definitely."

He suggested the players had already received plenty of advice about how to act.

"They know it already," Guardiola said. "When you open the door at home you have to know you will be filmed, whatever you do. It's part of the society."

City head to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, looking to cut leaders Arsenal's advantage to two points ahead of the Gunners' game at Fulham the following day.

Palace have not won any of their last seven Premier League home games against City (D2 L5), last getting a Selhurst Park victory over the Manchester giants in April 2015.

Moreover, Palace have not won any of their last nine Premier League games in the current campaign, the longest ongoing barren run.

All signs point to an away success, although City have already dropped more points in league games away from the Etihad Stadium this season (15) than they did in the whole of 2021-22 (11).

Guardiola dismissed concerns over travel to the game after snowfall.

But he predicted the fixture would be a major test of his team, saying: "Every game away in the Premier League is difficult. Crystal Palace in previous seasons, especially at home [in Manchester], we've struggled a lot to get results."

Erik ten Hag is happy for Bruno Fernandes to keep playing with emotion, although he acknowledges there is a balance to strike for the Manchester United midfielder.

Fernandes scored in United's 4-1 win against Real Betis on Thursday having been the subject of intense scrutiny since Sunday's 7-0 loss at Liverpool.

The United vice-captain, who wore the armband at Anfield, was criticised for his role in a defeat in which Ten Hag's side appeared to lack leadership.

A confrontation with Trent Alexander-Arnold, followed by a push on an official, perhaps saw Fernandes fortunate not to be sent off.

Both Ten Hag and Marcus Rashford defended Fernandes ahead of the Betis game, however, and the manager was encouraged by his subsequent performance, even if there is still work to do to "stay rational" at all times.

"I was very pleased with his captaincy because he is giving the team energy," Ten Hag said ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Southampton.

"He is not only giving the best physical output of the whole team, but also he is running in the right direction and is pointing players in that direction. He's coaching players, leading the team from a tactical perspective.

"His emotion is his weapon. But sometimes it's too strong. And yes, of course, I help him and support him. And I give him feedback.

"Sometimes he has to control his emotions, and that will help him to stay rational in the game, instead of the emotion.

"So, he has to find the balance and be rational, when to use [being] rational as a tool and when to use emotion as a tool, and that's the next step.

"I think that's a nice development point for him, and when he does it, he will be an even better player."

Meanwhile, Ten Hag offered an update on Christian Eriksen, who was ruled out for "an extended period" at the end of January due to an ankle injury.

"I think he will play [again this season], yes, definitely," Ten Hag said. "But I can't say now when [he is] expected.

"I think his progress in the rehab is okay. It's going according to plan and so we will definitely see him, but not before the international break.

"His main focus at this moment is to get back as soon as possible because we need all the players."

Roberto Firmino's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season left Jurgen Klopp surprised, though he respects his choice.

The Brazilian informed the club last week that he would be leaving when his contract expires at the conclusion of the campaign, bringing an end to his trophy-laden seven-year spell at Anfield.

Firmino was given a rapturous reception after scoring the seventh goal in Liverpool's 7-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday, days after his decision to leave was revealed.

A Champions League and Premier League winner on Merseyside, Firmino has been a fan favourite throughout his time with the club and Klopp was taken aback by his choice.

Asked if he was surprised by the news, Klopp replied: "Yes, a little bit, but I was not hit by surprise, actually it's a normal thing to do.

"It could go two ways and it was one. And I respect that a lot. It's completely normal in this kind of long relationship that we have and Bobby has with the club and with most of the players and stuff like this, and with the fans of course.

"It's pretty special and I loved the reception he got when he came on against United. He told me and then the only other thing he said is, 'Now I want to bring this wonderful story to a positive end.'

"So, that's it. He is completely here and completely committed, how everybody can imagine. And that's all we need to know.

"There's no time for a goodbye or whatever in this moment, there's enough time for that later in the season. Whenever he will come back, everybody knows that the song will still be for a long, long time in everybody's ears I'm pretty sure.

"I think he's one of these players that even when he would come with an opposition team, people would be really happy to see him."

Erik ten Hag has been named the Premier League's Manager of the Month for February, completing a Manchester United double after Marcus Rashford scooped the monthly players' award.

Ten Hag oversaw a return of 10 points from four Premier League games for United last month, with a 2-2 draw at home to Leeds United the only blot on their record.

As well as beating Crystal Palace and Leicester City, United improved on that Leeds draw by beating their rivals 2-0 in the return fixture at Elland Road four days later.

Ten Hag's side also carried their league form into other competitions in February, ending a near six-year trophy drought by beating Newcastle United to lift the EFL Cup and eliminating Barcelona from the Europa League.

Having also received the award last September, Ten Hag's second monthly prize brings him level with other two-time winners including Kenny Dalglish, Roberto Mancini and Thomas Tuchel. 

While United enjoyed an excellent February, March began with the joint-heaviest competitive defeat in their illustrious history as they were hammered 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.

Having bounced back with a 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday, United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to extend an 11-match unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League (W9 D2).