Real Madrid make Harry Kane priority target to reinforce front-line

Real Madrid have reportedly made Harry Kane their priority to bolster their attack, with Karim Benzema struggling for form

According to a report by Spanish publication Diario Gol, Real Madrid have started making preparations to replace Karim Benzema, possibly at the end of the season, with the Frenchman struggling for form, and have identified Harry Kane as their priority target to reinforce the front-line next summer.

Kane’s stock has skyrocketed ever since he cemented his place in the Tottenham first-team setup four seasons ago. In fact, over the last four years, the Englishman has been one of the most prolific players in Europe, often scoring goals at will, while also winning the Golden Boot in the Premier League in the last two seasons.

The 24-year-old is leading the pack to end as the top scorer in the English top-flight this season as well, having found the back of the net eight times. In all, Kane has scored 13 goals and provided 3 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions as he continues to go from strength to strength at Tottenham.

But while Kane has consistently remained a prolific powerhouse over the last few campaigns, one of the best strikers in the world, Karim Benzema has been experiencing an uncharacteristic slump since the 2016-17 season.

Harry Kane has scored 29 Premier League goals in 2017; at least 7 more than any other player in the division.

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— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 27, 2017

The Frenchman has, for several seasons, been regarded as a vital cog in Real Madrid’s first-team setup, having forged a formidable front trio – the BBC – alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, last season, his tally was usurped by Alvaro Morata, who was a bit-part player under Zinedine Zidane.

This season, Benzema has scored just two goals and provided as many assists in 12 appearances across all competitions, and has looked a pale shadow of his former domineering self for a number of months now.

With Real Madrid not managing to score goals with ease so far this season, the need to sign a top striker has accentuated. Florentino Perez is, thus, keen on offloading Benzema, despite tying him down to a new contract recently, and replace him with Kane, whose should be a major upgrade over the Frenchman.

The major sticking point, though, is his transfer fee, with Tottenham likely to command at least €80 million in exchange for his services. Furthermore, Club Chairman Daniel Levy is known to be a hard bargainer, and is unlikely to let the player go without a fight, if at all.

However, Kane might be open to leaving Tottenham to move to the Bernabeu if the North Londoners fail to win a title this season. It now remains to be seen if Los Blancos indeed succeed in signing the England international, or if they are forced to set their sights elsewhere for a striker next summer.