Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Harry Kane Rumours, Philipp Lahm Eyed

Manchester United's hopes of signing Tottenham Hotspur starlet Harry Kane have been dashed with Spurs' confirmation that he is staying with the club.  

Both manager Mauricio Pochettino and owner Daniel Levy answered speculation on Friday around Kane's future during a Q&A session with fans on Facebook. As reported by Tom Edwards of the Daily Telegraph, "A fan posted the question 'Is Harry Kane staying?' and both men replied with an emphatic 'Yes!'" 

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reports United's "interest" in Kane, who enjoyed a breakout 2014-15 season at White Hart Lane. Kane bagged 21 goals and provided four assists in 34 Premier League appearances, securing a first-team spot after an impressive run of strikes during Spurs' Europa League schedule, per WhoScored.com.

Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

Only Manchester City's Sergio Aguero finished ahead of Kane in the domestic scoring stakes. As such, Kane received the PFA Young Player of the Year award after a whirlwind season that also saw him captain Spurs and net on his England debut.

Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao notched just 26 Premier League goals between them, highlighting United manager Louis van Gaal's need for a new striker. Although Rooney's return is acceptable for a man who made only 14 appearances in his preferred attacking position—with the rest coming in midfield, per WhoScored—United should crave greater options on the break.

Kane is a quality holdup player, but he is also someone who naturally strides forward and forces defenders to commit. He is a clinical finisher from inside and outside the box, a deadly set-piece taker and someone who possesses noticeable self-belief.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Van Gaal has been working on transfers since January to ensure any new arrivals can have a proper pre-season with the club. If Pochettino's and Levy's comments don't put him off, Kane's hectic summer schedule might, per Sky Sports:

When recently asked if he would accept a move to a bigger club, Kane replied, "No, Tottenham is a big club and that's the way I see it," as reported by Mokbel. "There's a very bright future ahead and I'm happy. The whole team is happy and we are all heading in the same direction."

Lahm Looking for New Challenge?

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm recently admitted he has turned down the opportunity to join United in the past, per Daniel Anwar of Squawka. However, Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express cites reports in France when saying the move "could still happen" as the German World Cup winner goes in search of a new challenge.

Jefferson suggests that because Lahm has won everything possible at the Allianz Arena, he may be itching to try something new. A Premier League or La Liga switch has got him thinking of years gone by, as Lahm told Anwar:

"

Yes, as a player you always think about your options, and there was a time where Manchester United made an approach for me—and Barcelona looked at me too—so I considered life in England or Spain.

The Premier League was an interesting possibility. But in the end I decided to stay in Germany. Bayern is my home town club and I thought good things could happen for the club, so I signed on for more years, and it proved to be the right decision.

"

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Van Gaal is a "huge admirer" of the versatile player, according to Jefferson, and he could call upon his previous relationship with the German to aid a potential swoop. The pair worked together at Bayern, where Van Gaal won the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal and the DFB Supercup.

Lahm could fulfill two much-needed roles for United. The Red Devils need a natural right-back to replace Antonio Valencia, particularly as Van Gaal doesn't appear intent on utilising Rafael. It's possible Lahm may also be eyed with a central midfield stint in mind, offering an alternative to United metronome Michael Carrick.

B/R UK's Alex Dimond recently discussed the players who could leave Old Trafford to make room for such stars:

Kane and Lahm could make instant impacts at United, albeit in different capacities. The former has already proved himself more than capable at the top level, and he will be itching to ensure "second season syndrome" doesn't set in. Lahm is a seasoned professional, a natural winner and, most importantly for United, a leader.

Van Gaal needs to find a blend of hungry youngsters and experienced pros to lead United back into the title reckoning, something he will be looking to achieve this summer.