Thomas Tuchel refuses to rule out Harry Kane move as Bayern Munich 'step up interest'

The German champions decided against replacing Robert Lewandowski last year but will sign a new number nine during this summer's transfer window.

Bayern have emerged as the favourites to sign Kane, with the England captain's contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium due to expire next summer.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has allegedly made it clear that the 29-year-old will not be allowed to move to a Premier League rival this summer, with Manchester United seemingly out of the race, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to have cooled their interest.

A recent report claimed that Bayern are becoming increasingly confident of being able to sign the Three Lions skipper before the end of the transfer window.

Tuchel refused to directly reveal an interest in Kane when questioned on the forward, but he suggested that Bayern are prepared to do everything they can to bring in the right player this summer.

"I have a very boring answer: I do not comment on players who are not with us," Tuchel told reporters during a press conference on Saturday afternoon.

"It's well known that we are looking for a number nine. If we find someone that fits in, then we'll go all in. If we don't find anyone, we're happy with our squad. But we need more patience."

Tuchel is believed to have recently met with Kane at his London home to discuss a possible move to Allianz Arena during this summer's transfer window.

Kane returned to pre-season training for Tottenham last week and is in the squad for their Asia-Pacific tour, with Spurs still determined to keep hold of him.

However, the North London club are running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer, which could ultimately lead to them sanctioning a sale for a fee in the region of £80m.

Kane was again in excellent form at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, finding the back of the net on 32 occasions in all competitions, with 30 of his goals coming in the Premier League.

Spurs again finished the campaign without a trophy, though, and there will be no European football at the club next season, with the team finishing down in eighth position in the Premier League table.

Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen is believed to have met with Spurs chairman Levy last week to discuss a possible deal for Kane during the summer market.