Tottenham must brace themselves for a £200 million battle with Real Madrid for Harry Kane, says former Spurs boss Terry Venables.
The England international striker has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in world football on the back of his prolific exploits in the Premier League.
Kane, who has joined the 100-goal club in English top-flight competition, is currently chasing down a third successive Golden Boot and is considered by many to be the answer to the problems currently being endured at Santiago Bernabeu.
Transfer talk suggests those in the Spanish capital share those beliefs, and Venables believes it may be only a matter of time before Spurs see their resolve tested by a big-money bid.
A man who spent six years at the Tottenham helm between 1987 and 1993 told the Daily Mail: “To get his 100th Premier League goal is a considerable achievement, well worth all the praise.
“It is confirmation of his status worldwide as a goalscorer of distinction who can operate under the most intense pressure, as he showed with his nerveless second penalty in front of The Kop.
“That’s why he’s a wanted man and that is something Spurs will have come to terms with.
“There is obviously talk of Real Madrid and I took Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes to Spain when I was manager at Barcelona.
“Gary joined me in Spain after he won the World Cup Golden Boot in 1986. He produced goals, he scored 21 in 41 games in his first season — a fine return. The fee was under £3 million.
“Now, with market forces, Harry is being talked about as a £200m signing!
“The fact that Real Madrid need more firepower to match Barcelona’s surge means the world’s top goalscorers will be targets.
“Spurs may have a fight on their hands. I hope Harry stays here. We don’t want another of our Premier League talents being lured by Spain’s big two.
“Spurs will have to match his ambition and they will also need to move quickly with a contract offer, especially with some of the money being thrown around by Manchester City and Manchester United.
“You can’t ask Harry to settle for less... not for a player of his class.”
Kane’s contribution this season also includes six goals in Champions League competition, with his ability being showcased on the grandest of stages.