Ryan Mason insists there is NO awkwardness in Tottenham’s dressing room after Harry Kane asks for move away this summer… with interim boss claiming striker is ‘focused’ and ‘excited’ to face Aston Villa tomorrow
- Ryan Mason says Harry Kane remains focused despite doubts over his future
- The Tottenham forward has told the club he wants to be sold this summer
- Mason brushed off speculation and said he was not aware he had asked to leave
- He insists there is no ‘awkwardness’ in training ahead of next game v Aston Villa
Interim Tottenham boss Ryan Mason has brushed off questions about Harry Kane – insisting there is no ‘awkwardness’ in the dressing room despite question marks over the striker’s future.
Sportsmail reported on Monday that the England captain has informed Spurs of his desire to leave this summer, with the 28-year-old unhappy with the lack of progress in north London.
But Mason, who is in charge until the end of the season, said he was not aware that Kane had requested to be sold – stressing that he remains ‘100 per cent committed’ to the team for the rest of the season and is focused on their game against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
Interim Spurs boss Ryan Mason has insisted Harry Kane remains ‘focused’ on the team this season despite doubts over his future
The interim boss (right) said he was not aware that Kane had requested to leave this summer
‘All of my conversations with Harry have been about the game. All these conversations, I am not so sure. I don’t know.
‘I speak to Harry pretty much every day. He’s excited along with me about (Wednesday’s game against Aston Villa). Our only discussions have been about the game tomorrow. We’re looking forward to tomorrow.’
When asked if there was an ‘awkward’ atmosphere at the club with speculation continuing to swirl around Kane’s future, Mason added: ‘I don’t think anything is awkward. There’s always speculation around the best players, like there’s been speculation around who the next manager will be.’
Mason said Kane would start against Villa on Wednesday as speculation continues to swirl
Mason confirmed that Kane, who is gunning for a third Premier League Golden Boot, will start against Villa on Wednesday in front of 10,000 home fans.
‘He starts tomorrow because he is our best striker and he is one of the best strikers in the world,’ Mason said.
‘I have been consistent, I am here for the next two games and that is my main focus in preparing a football team and winning a game of football. Hopefully we can do that and Harry can get on the scoresheet.
Kane has netted 220 goals for Spurs but is growing frustrated by a lack of silverware
‘They’ll love seeing him play. He loves the club, he’s been here from a very young age, come through the system. I’m sure the fans are excited to see Harry play.’
Kane, who has netted 220 goals in 334 games for his boyhood club, has long been linked with an exit from the club after growing frustrated with their failure to win silverware, and admitted last month he wanted to win ‘team trophies’ despite racking up a list of personal accolades.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have been earmarked as a possible destination for the £150-rated forward, but Spurs have been left furious at the timing of Kane’s demand to leave going public.
A brief statement on Monday night, as reported by the Evening Standard, read: ‘Our focus is on finishing the season as strongly as possible. That’s what everyone should be focused on.’