Gary Neville makes Harry Kane claim after Spurs win

By Jordan Harris

Gary Neville has suggested that not seeing Harry Kane in the stadium as Spurs beat Manchester City on Sunday may be a sign that the striker is on his way out of the club this summer – in comments to Sky Sports (broadcast on 15/8; 19:06).

Of course, much of the build-up before the final game of the opening weekend surrounded Kane and his future in North London.

City have reportedly previously bid for the forward. And he has only recently returned to training with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

So it was little surprise that he played no part in Sunday’s encounter. But there was something that took Neville off-guard.

There looked to be no sign of the Tottenham talisman throughout the game. Certainly, the television cameras never caught sight of the 28-year-old in the stands.

And Neville shared what he felt that Kane’s absence was an indication of after the full-time whistle.

“Harry Kane would be here today if there was no doubt over his future,” he told Sky Sports (broadcast on 15/8; 19:06).

“I thought this meant he was gone, the most prominent player not visible in this stadium. 

“To not see him today was a surprise. I think that told me he was gone.

“Maybe I’m wrong and he’ll still be here.”

Spurs may benefit from not using Harry Kane until transfer window closes after Gary Neville claim

Spurs proved, once again, that they do not necessarily need Kane to win big games. They have previously shown when he has been injured that they can still thrive.

Meanwhile, speculation is likely to continue until the window shuts. So perhaps Tottenham would be best off to not use Kane until the deadline has passed – should he stay.

The speculation is not doing anyone any favours. So using Kane in a game when his motivation may be questioned may be a gamble.

The onus remains on City to offer what Spurs want for their talisman.

But Tottenham can perhaps boost their chances of getting the best out of Kane beyond the end of the window by keeping him out of the firing line.