Manchester City have sensationally been offered Cristiano Ronaldo – but insist Harry Kane remains their top transfer target.
Former Manchester United forward Ronaldo has been offered to Europe's top clubs, including City, by the Juventus star's agent Jorge Mendes.
Although City have not shut the door on Ronaldo, England captain Kane is still their main target and they will do all they can to sign him before the August 31 transfer deadline.
City are ready to make an improved bid of £120million for Kane in the coming days, but are unwilling to meet Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy's £150m valuation of the prolific striker.
But in an extraordinary twist to the saga, Ronaldo has been offered as an alternative to Kane, raising the prospect of a sensational return to Manchester – albeit to the blue half of the city.
Ronaldo, 36, has been offered to City for a fee of around £25m, by Mendes, who is keen to move his client on from Juventus, but he has so far had no takers for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has already ruled out bringing Ronaldo back to the Bernabeu, but City could end up making a late move for the Portugal icon if they fail in their pursuit of Kane.
Kane, 28, is back in full training ahead of Tottenham’s European campaign, which begins tomorrow in the UEFA Conference League against Pacos Ferreira.
After a delayed start to his pre-season, Kane trained with the rest of his Spurs team-mates and has been included in the 25-man squad to face the Portuguese club.
The inclusion of Kane in the squad shows boss Nuno Espirito Santo is intent on including the forward in his plans, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
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Despite Kane's determination to join City this summer to compete for the biggest prizes, Tottenham insist they will not entertain any offers below Levy's £150m valuation.
City have had a £100m offer rebuffed, but plan to test Levy's resolve with the fresh bid, although they know they are likely to have to meet his asking price if they are to land Kane.
It is understood Levy will not even entertain the prospect of allowing Kane to leave Spurs until his valuation is met and a replacement has been secured.
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez and Leeds striker Patrick Bamford are two possible replacements for Kane.
Spurs may have to switch their attention to Bamford, with Inter unlikely to let Martinez leave in the same window as Romelu Lukaku, following his £97.5m return to Chelsea.