Bayern Munich reject rumours of Harry Kane returning to Tottenham

Vincent Kompany, the Bayern Munich manager, has moved to shut down talk of Harry Kane returning to Tottenham.

The 32-year-old’s future has become the subject of speculation this week after the German publication Bild reported that he has a £56.7m release clause in his contract which could be activated next summer.

The revelation immediately sparked speculation that Kane could return to Tottenham, whose manager Thomas Frank professed ignorance of the clause while indicating that he would welcome the opportunity to work with the England captain.

Kane scored a hat-trick in Bayern’s 4-1 win at Hoffenheim on Saturday to keep the champions two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. It brought his league tally for the season to eight goals in four games, and Kompany was understandably eager to alter the narrative around his star striker before Werder Bremen’s visit to the Allianz Arena on Friday night

‘He’s a leader in our team’

“He was always a goalscorer but I think he made a conscious decision for himself to open up his game to different things,” said Kompany. “He’s a leader in our team and to have one of the best performing players, that’s something I am very fortunate for as a coach. 

“He is in an outstanding phase and the last thing I want to do is open a door to a different discussion. He has the hunger to win titles, and he can do it at Bayern and that is the focus.”

Tottenham have made a strong start to the Premier League season under Frank, racking up convincing wins over Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham and securing a hard-earned point at Brighton. 

A lacklustre home defeat to Bournemouth before the international break remains the only blemish on the new manager’s record to date, and while he suggested it was unlikely Kane would seek a return to his old stamping ground next year, he did not attempt to disguise his admiration for the striker.  

What has Thomas Frank said about the possibility of Harry Kane returning to Tottenham?

“I didn’t know there was a clause,” said Frank. “He is an unbelievable player who did fantastic for Spurs and is doing fantastic for Bayern. Top player. I think there’s a lot of Tottenham fans, including myself, who would like to see Kane back. 

“Personally, I don’t think he will do it right now if I’m honest. He’ll probably stay in Bayern and continue performing well. He was top scorer last year, won the championship and he’s doing fantastic now.

“I don’t know what he’s thinking. Myself, I’m a traveller; I like to travel, I like to explore things as well. He’s been here for many years so why not enjoy the time at Bayern a little bit more? But he’s welcome. If he wants to join us, he’s more than welcome.”

Kane remains a cult figure at Tottenham, where he scored 280 goals in 435 appearances to become the top marksman in the club’s history.