Transfer roundup: Harry Kane on Manchester United radar but Sergio Ramos denies negotiations

Liverpool to break the bank for Benteke as Falcao takes wage cut in Chelsea move

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has not been subject to an approach from Manchester United, although the 20-time champions remain interested in the England striker, according to Sky Sports.

Sky Sports news reporter James Cooper stated that United’s search for a striker ‘includes Harry Kane’, although no negotiations had taken place.

Kane enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season at Spurs last term, scoring 31 goals in all competitions, and winning plaudits for his passionate style of play.

His willingness to work hard for the team suits United manager Louis van Gaal’s philosophy. Van Gaal is also desperately in need of another top-class striker after the departure of Radamel Falcao to Premier League rivals Chelsea, coupled with the imminent exit of Robin van Persie to Fernabahce.

With other top European targets such as Jackson Martinez and Carlos Bacca choosing sunnier climates than Manchester, van Gaal may soon opt to send in a formal bid for the Tottenham starlet.

Liverpool to break the bank for Benteke

Liverpool’s summer spending spree looks set to continue, as manager Brendan Rodgers is prepared to trigger the £32.5m release clause in Christian Benteke’s contract, according to the Daily Express.

The Belgian striker, currently under contract at Aston Villa, has attracted interest from London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, but neither club are prepared to meet the release clause. Liverpool on the other hand, are looking to replenish their goal threat, after failing to replace Luis Suarez after his big-money move to Barcelona last year.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood has stated his desire for Benteke to remain at Villa Park.

“We want Christian here,” he said. “We want to keep our best players and Christian is certainly one of those.”

Benteke’s preference may be towards a club who has secured Champions League football next season. However, with Arsenal the only top four club mooted to have a genuine interest in him, coupled with their reluctance to spend big, the Belgian powerhouse may have to settle for Merseyside as his next step on the football ladder.

Falcao takes wage cut in Chelsea move

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has agreed to a £140,000-per-week contract in his loan move to Chelsea from Monaco, representing a 50% decrease in his previous wage at Manchester United.

The Daily Mail reported that Manchester United’s deal with Monaco cost an estimated £25million, representing a financial disaster for the club, as Falcao only managed to find the net four times in 26 Premier League appearances.

The departure of Didier Drogba from Chelsea meant that the signing of a back-up striker to Diego Costa was a priority. Whilst many believe that the signing of Falcao is a risk considering his recent injuries and lack of form, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho remains optimistic in the Colombian’s ability.

“If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it,” Mourinho said last month. “It hurts me people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at United.”

Falcao’s willingness to receive a pay-cut represents his own acceptance that last season was an abject failure by his own high standards. Falcao’s troubles were not just limited to the domestic game, as he failed to make any significant impact in the Copa America for Columbia.

Whether or not he is able to regain his form with Chelsea is open for debate.

Ramos: ‘No negotiations with anyone’

Sergio Ramos dismissed reports that he has opened talks with Manchester United over a possible transfer, stating that he is ‘not negotiating with anyone’ during his appearance on Spanish television channel Canal Cuatro.

Ramos’ Madrid future has been under intense speculation, as relations between himself and the club’s hierarchy have soured over contract negotiations.  Manchester United have been the club most likely to sign the Spanish international, as they look to bolster their defence with at least one world-class signing.

However, Ramos refused to acknowledge any contact with the Premier League club. When asked if he would be staying with Real Madrid, he replied ‘all is very well.’

There are doubts over whether or not Ramos is serious about leaving Madrid, a club where he has enjoyed such distinguished success over his career. Indeed, some critics consider it a ploy to extort a better contract from Madrid.  Former United defender Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his personal YouTube channel, believes that the inclusion of Manchester City in the rumours is clever work by Ramos’ agent.

“The agent's flying, he's doing well. He's putting him with two of the biggest clubs in terms of financial power.”