Tottenham striker Harry Kane has thrown his future at the club into doubt after he did not report for pre-season tests on Monday morning.
The England captain was due back at the club’s Hotspur Way training centre for a Covid-19 test following his three-week break after his involvement at Euro 2020.
Several news outlets including Sky Sports, the BBC and Press Association reported that Kane, 28, failed to show as planned on Monday, fueling speculation that the player is trying to force a move away from the club.
Neither Spurs nor the player and his representatives have commented on his absence.
Kane made clear before the start of last month's European Championship that he wished to leave the club this summer to challenge for honours, alerting the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
Despite having three years left on his contract, Kane believes a gentleman's agreement is in place with chairman Daniel Levy allowing him to leave the club. However, Tottenham have made it clear they have no intention of selling their prized asset.
Kane hinted at the end of last term his preference for a move to Manchester City, but the Premier League champions have previously indicated they would not pay the £150 million fee required for Levy to even countenance selling Kane.
City have since turned their attention to Kane's England teammate Jack Grealish, reportedly tabling a £100 million bid for the Aston Villa forward over the weekend.
Spurs open their Premier League campaign on August 15 against City.
Kane has been in the Bahamas following England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and looks to have set his stall out to force a move from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
New boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who was assured Kane would not be sold during discussions for the job, said last month that Kane could be “counted on” next season.
Five players Spurs should look to sign this summer
Conor Coady - England assistant coach Steve Holland called the Wolves defender his player of the tournament, despite Coady not playing a single minute at Euro 2020. Holland cited Coady's leadership qualities in the dressing room, even though he wasn't in the team. New Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows the 28-year-old well from their Wolves day. He could be the totemic figure Spurs' defence so badly lacks.
Kasper Schmeichel - with the greatest respect to Leicester, it baffles that the Denmark goalkeeper has not been targeted by any of Europe's elite clubs. The Dane was a tower of strength on and off the pitch at the Euros, particularly so during the horrific scenes that saw Christian Eriksen collapse on the pitch against Finland. Some of the saves he made during Denmark's run to the semi-finals were simply breathtaking. At 34, Schmeichel is only getting better with age.
Clement Lenglet - Barcelona's need to trim the wage bill to pay Lionel Messi hasn't yet triggered a fire sale of players, but it appears only a matter of time. One of those likely to be jettisoned is French defender Lenglet, particularly with Erica Garcia rejoining from Manchester City. Lenglet, 26, is less injury-prone than his club and international teammate Samuel Umtiti, and at €25 million represents good value.
Danny Ings - will be disappointed to have missed out on the England squad that did so well at the Euros. Ings cut a frustrated figure in an inconsistent Southampton side last season as was reflected in his goals return of 13 across competition. Has less than 12 months left on his contract and Saints may decide to cash in on their striker for a fee of around €22 million.
Lewis Dunk - Brighton have already lost Ben White to Arsenal this summer, and seem poised for another North London club raid on their defence. Dunk is the beating heart of a club that is now looking forward to a fifth successive season in the Premier League, largely off the back of his performances. A threat in both boxes, Dunk will see a move to Tottenham as a step up.