Tottenham interested in signing Harry Maguire from Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in Manchester United outcast Harry Maguire in a move that would delight Harry Kane.

The Spurs interest in Maguire is in no way linked to United’s desire to sign Kane and there is no suggestion of the potential for each player to move in opposite directions as part of the same deal.

In fact, Tottenham’s interest in Maguire could be seen as a potential move to keep Kane, given the striker has previously recommended his England team-mate to the club and the pair share a close relationship from their time together with the national team.

Having confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as the club’s new permanent head coach, starting work on July 1, Tottenham will now work to appoint a sporting director and start to plot their summer recruitment.

Tottenham are yet to indicate whether they will bid for Maguire and there is no certainty they will, but interest has been registered in a player who former manager Mauricio Pochettino wanted to sign from Hull City, before the defender moved to Leicester City and then joined United.

Maguire has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, but has remained a key figure for England and performed well in Gareth Southgate’s team during the World Cup in Qatar with Kane.

Tottenham set for clear-out under Postecoglou

Tottenham are preparing to try to offload as many as seven first-team regulars and would listen to bids for Ben Davies and Eric Dier, both of whom can play on the left side of defence.

Davinson Sanchez, who was booed by a section of Spurs fans, will be made available and Clement Lenglet could return to Barcelona, following his season-long loan, which means Spurs are likely to sign at least one new central defender.

Maguire could be available for a cut-price fee and would also give Tottenham’s leadership group a boost, with captain Hugo Lloris set to leave the club.

Postecoglou will be consulted on all potential transfer targets, including Maguire and Leicester City duo James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, having signed a four-year contract to become Tottenham’s permanent successor to Antonio Conte.

In a statement, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play. He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our club.”

Postecoglou left Celtic after winning the domestic treble with the Scottish club and said: “They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore.

“Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more – and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution.”