Manchester United Transfer News: Big Harry Kane Bid, Morgan Schneiderlin Rumours

Manchester United are preparing to go to war with Tottenham Hotspur in their bid to sign Harry Kane this summer, while it's emerged manager Louis van Gaal has placed a priority on Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin.

According to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United vice chairman Ed Woodward is prepared to offer "in excess of £50 million" for Kane, but the real obstacle comes in convincing Daniel Levy to sell.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Spurs chairman Levy, referred to by Robson as "football's ultimate negotiator," has proven a stubborn figure to do business with in the past, but Woodward will use his own silver tongue to parlay a deal.

Sporting Intelligence released findings this week of a study conducted into asserting the most valuable players in Europe's top five leagues, in which Kane was found to be 15th in the pecking order:

Robson's report goes on to detail how Manchester United's new financial status gives them the ability to make major moves in the market this summer, recently becoming the first-ever football club valued at $1 billion.

The Red Devils forked out large wages to recruit Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan last term, but with the Colombian having now left Old Trafford, United are hoping Kane could prove a savvier spend of funds.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Van Gaal may also be facing a future without Robin van Persie, as rumours begin to swirl that the Netherlands international could be sold this summer after netting just 10 goals in the 2014-15 campaign.

It was foretold Van Gaal's arrival at United's helm would benefit Van Persie, given their history in the Dutch national team, but the Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman quotes the 31-year-old as saying his future is uncertain:

"

I must evaluate the situation. The club is doing that as well. I must consider what I really want. If worse comes to the worst and I won't be playing much next season I wouldn't be in an ideal situation with Euro 2016 coming up [next summer].

It's a strange, difficult situation. A new situation, that's a better word. I have to think, in a realistic way. It's my ambition to play [regularly] in the next years. But I'm thinking about my family and my children with every decision I take. These are very important for me.

I'm a real family guy. I think it's fantastic to see how happy my children and wife are. That's something I take in consideration when I'm thinking about my future.

"

Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell believes United should "keep the faith" in their veteran forward, however, and ensure he stays on for at least another season:

Kane claimed the PFA Young Player of the Year award in what was a breakthrough season for him, bagging 21 times in 34 Premier League appearances for Spurs and earning his first senior England caps.

Manchester United's return to the Champions League will likely demand renovations at the club this summer, and with the attack undergoing drastic change, Kane looks like a high-priority upgrade.

Van Gaal Turns Attention On Schneiderlin

Meanwhile, Manchester United will turn their gaze toward St. Mary's in a bid to improve their midfield options after it came to light Schneiderlin is courting Van Gaal's attention.

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

That's according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, who reports that Van Gaal sees Schneiderlin as the ideal foil to take pressure of primary playmaker Michael Carrick.

Despite the fact he'll turn 34 later this summer, Carrick continues to play a pivotal role for United, and it was no coincidence their form flagged toward the end of the season after he suffered injury in early April.

Squawka's Greg Johnson determines that not only would Schneiderlin be an ideal recruit, but he's also got time on his hands at the age of 25:

The club brought both Ander Herrera and Daley Blind over last summer, but neither playmaker offers the regimented "destroyer" figure the squad has been yearning after.

Luckhurst also adds the importance of this target being a "right-sided" player, with Van Gaal specifying his options in terms of who he wants to fit the engine-room mould:

Having impressed under Ronald Koeman this past season, the Saints may expect another wave of interest to surround their players, a year having passed since the exodus of 2014.

Carrick will also have one eye on signing Carrick's long-term successor, and Schneiderlin looks likely to be targeted as the hard-hitting piece of the puzzle the English giants have been lacking.