‘Real Madrid reserve their No 9 shirt for Harry Kane’ – Spanish papers react to transfer news

Real Madrid are ‘reserving their No. 9 shirt for Harry Kane’ as they prepare a £100 million bid for the prolific Tottenham Hotspur and England striker.

With Karim Benzema leaving the Bernabeu to play in Saudi Arabia, the Spanish press has been quick to point out that Kane is a ready replacement.

The rise of Real’s interest in Kane, 29, comes as a major blow to Manchester United, who are also looking to sign a striker who has scored 30 Premier League goals this season in an underperforming Spurs team.

While the front pages of Madrid’s sports dailies chose to focus on Benzema’s emotional farewell in Sunday night’s 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, there’s plenty of attention inside.

Mark report that Real have no doubt that Kane is their number 1 choice to replace Benzema, now that the number 9 shirt is empty. Kane wears number 10 at Tottenham, but Luka Modric has that shirt for Real.

It came when Bernabeu legend Karim Benzema left Real Madrid after 14 seasons with them

Marca’s front on Monday focused on Benzema’s farewell with a brief mention of Real’s interest in Kane (bottom left) – but there was plenty of attention on the inside

Although it was only confirmed on Sunday, Real had been aware of Benzema’s intentions to leave after 14 years for several days and had already started looking for replacements.

The report said Kane’s name had been on the Real manager’s lips as they held meetings at the Valdebebas training complex in recent days.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti and the hierarchy admire Kane and they think they will get top performances from him for three or four seasons.

Real also believe they have influence over Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who is unwilling to sell Kane to a Premier League rival like United.

The reigning European champion has signed an initial contract with both Spurs and Kane’s representatives, but negotiations with Levy may not be easy.

Real knows from the experience of buying Gareth Bale and Modric from Spurs that Levy is a formidable negotiator who will negotiate the best possible price.

Diary AS quote leading Spanish journalists’ opinions on Cadena SER regarding Real’s pursuit of Kane.

Marcos Lopez said Madrid are ‘obliged to go for a great striker’. With Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland currently out of reach, Kane is the best option available.

AS also saw the retirement of Benzema, leaving the number 9 shirt vacant, perhaps for Kane

Spurs are expected to demand £100 million for their top scorer amid interest from Los Blanco

Bruno Alemany said: ‘You can’t look for a Benzema clone, they can’t even claim a player who gives them the level that Benzema has given them over the years.

“Now Real Madrid have to decide if they want the best on the market, and that’s definitely Kane, who provides them with a very high number of goals every season.”

A few years ago, Tottenham turned down Manchester City for €150 million, but it was different situations because they were a team in the same league.

“Tottenham will not let their great star and captain leave for a cheap price.”

The second player on Real Madrid’s shortlist to replace Benzema is Chelsea star Kai Havertz.

Benzema’s departure has left a hole in Real Madrid’s plans for the 2023/24 season.

The club had hoped to sign Spanish striker Joselu on loan as a substitute for Benzema, who was expected to have his contract automatically extended for a further year.

Tottenham will lose Kane for free next year if they don’t sell him in the next two transfer windows.

Chelsea striker Kai Havertz is said to be a possible alternative option for the Spurs striker

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy does not want to sell Kane to a direct Premier League rival

It remains to be seen if Kane would seriously consider leaving England for Spain.

The prolific forward has set his sights on breaking Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record of 260. He currently stands at 213 top goalscored goals.

Similarly, Kane and his family are known to have settled in London and an uprooting to Madrid would require deep thought, especially as wife Katie is expecting their fourth child.

But the temptation to play for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world – plus a virtual guarantee to compete for major trophies – could tempt Kane to give up on his dream of becoming the Premier League’s top goalscorer.

He would also likely be offered a wage deal north of his current £300,000 a week wages at Tottenham Hotspur.

Real’s interest in Kane comes as a blow to Erik ten Hag as he looks to upgrade his Manchester United squad for next season

Real Madrid and have built a good working relationship with Tottenham and Levy in recent years.

Benzema’s departure was announced ahead of the club’s final game of the season. He is now set to join Al Ittihad in a deal worth €100 million per season tax-free with add-ons to promote the country’s 2030 World Cup bid.

Al Ittihad’s rivals Al-Hilal are hoping to announce the arrival of Lionel Messi this week with a bid of €200 million per season for two campaigns and the option of a third.

Benzema won 25 trophies with Real Madrid in 14 seasons and leaves just a year after a Ballon d’Or Champions League double.