Manchester United reportedly could have signed Erik ten Hag's prime striker target for £67million during the winter transfer window.

Ten Hag earmarked who he wanted to sign before his second summer in charge after the club spent around £3 million to sign Wout Weghorst on loan midway through the 2022/23 season. Rasmus Hojlund, though, ultimately signed before the next campaign started.

United also signed Joshua Zirkzee last summer, but months later, it became apparent the club needed a striker again. Ruben Amorim has already realised that going without either against Crystal Palace and entrusting Kobbie Mainoo up top at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim's Man United first-team addition given the green light after transfer decision

READ MORE: Manchester United £65m reveal places huge significance on Europa League push

However, had Ten Hag got his way, another England international would have led the line last weekend. As reported by MEN Sport approaching two years ago, the then-manager was intent on signing Kane.

Tottenham Hotspur, though, sold Kane to Bayern Munich for £100million a week after the arrival of Hojlund in Manchester. The striker put pen to paper on a four-year contract then, but reports are now emerging that the deal includes a release clause.

Bild, the German newspaper, reports that the price was £67million this winter but will reduce to £54million when it becomes active again next January. The clause reputedly does not come into affect this summer.

Following those claims, The Telegraph reports Premier League clubs knew about the price tag when the window was open. However, Kane is said to be happy in Germany and giving no thought to a return to England anytime soon.

Their report also named United as one of three clubs that should try to sign the England captain, with Chelsea and Newcastle United the others. They even acknowledge that Kane previously wanted to join the Reds.

Tottenham, though, are said to be able to match any bid made by another club for their all-time top scorer. "We have had some choices made with talents like Rasmus Hojlund," Ten Hag said in May last year.

"I can see a striker (Kane) who already proved it, who we want(ed) to sign and we couldn't get him. And then we went to Rasmus because he's a talent.

"With Harry Kane you know you get 30 goals. "I think Rasmus will get there but he needs time.

"It's not fair to assess him the same as Harry Kane. "I would never compare two players because they are very different.

"But with Rasmus Hojlund, we get the highest potential in the striker position last summer. "We are very happy with him, but he also needs time to adapt.

"We are very pleased he has shown his capacity to score goals."