Will Real Madrid try to sign Kane if Benzema stays at Bernabéu?

Although Karim Benzema now seems likely to stay at Real Madrid, Los Blancos remain determined to take striker Harry Kane to the Bernabéu this summer. Alongside international colleague Jude Bellingham, the Tottenham Hotspur and England star has emerged as a priority signing for Madrid.

Madrid want Kane and Benzema together at the Bernabéu

Benzema has received a big-money offer to join Saudi club Al Ittihad, but Madrid say they remain unaware that the Frenchman has any intention to leave, and expect the 35-year-old to stay in the Spanish capital for at least another season. Were Benzema to end up leaving for the Middle East either this summer or in January, Kane’s arrival would become doubly important; however, Madrid’s plan is to have them together at the club. They’re seen as compatible, just as Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema were in the past.

Given that Kane turns 30 in July, his signing would be a departure from Madrid’s recent transfer policy, which has focused on snapping up young prospects for more affordable fees. However, after a season in which the club relinquished its LaLiga and Champions League titles, Madrid have reached the conclusion that they need to bring in a proven marksman who can alleviate their dependence on Benzema’s goalscoring abilities. This season, the Ballon d’Or holder has frequently found himself on the treatment table and out of action, although the club are confident he can shake off this recent susceptibility to injuries, particularly as he has now retired from France duty.

Madrid’s pursuit of Kane is also a sign of their faith in head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Englishman, who is his country’s highest ever goalscorer with 55 international goals, is Ancelotti’s preferred summer signing at centre-forward.

Madrid face battle with Levy, Man Utd

Madrid won’t find it easy to secure Kane’s services, though. He will be entering the final 12 months of his Tottenham contract this summer - a state of affairs that strengthens the Spaniards’ bargaining position - but Los Blancos are well aware that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will prove a tough negotiator nonetheless. That has been their experience in their past transfer dealings with Levy. In 2012 and 2013, respectively, the Tottenham chief dragged out Madrid’s purchases of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale right to the final day of the close-season transfer window.

What’s more, Madrid face stiff competition for Kane’s signature, with Manchester United also keen to sign the 29-year-old after their return to the Champions League.

According to reports in the UK, Kane has made the decision to leave Spurs this summer and, if he doesn’t get his wish, is minded to run down his contract and depart for free next year. As Diario AS has previously reported, Tottenham are expected to seek €115m for the player, but Madrid are confident they can haggle that asking price down.