Harry Kane tells Spurs fans he 'would never refuse to train'

Star striker rebuts criticism as Pep Guardiola admits interest depends on Tottenham's willingness to negotiate

Harry Kane has been left feeling aggrieved over criticism of his conduct. Reuters

England captain Harry Kane tweeted on Friday that he had “never refused” to train at Tottenham Hotspur in spite of failing to show up for preseason tests on Monday.

His placatory tweet came as Man City manager Pep Guardiola, fresh from signing Jack Grealish for a British record £100 million, admitted his chances of bagging Kane hinge on Spurs' willingness to negotiate.

The 28-year-old forward, who remained on holiday in the Bahamas this week before travelling to Florida amid speculation that he was trying to force a transfer to Manchester City, said he would return to training on Saturday.

His absence had prompted heavy criticism from Spurs supporters on social media, and it was to Twitter that Kane took to say he “wouldn't do anything to jeopardise” his relationship with the fans.

Local boy Kane has been a fans favourite since breaking into the side under Mauricio Pochettino and has gone on to score 221 goals for Tottenham, second only to Jimmy Greaves' 266, the club's scoring record.

He is a clear favourite of Pep Guardiola, too, who said on Friday that Man City would only make a move to sign him if Tottenham were willing to negotiate over the price.

City have already said they would never pay the reported asking price of £160m for the 28-year-old and Guardiola admitted a deal would be difficult to conclude.

“He is a player for Tottenham Hotspur. If Tottenham don't want to negotiate, it is finished.

“If they are open to negotiate, it is not only Man City but many clubs in the world would want to try to sign him. We are not an exception.

“Harry Kane is an exceptional, extraordinary striker. There are no doubts about that. Of course, we are very interested.

Tottenham later on Friday completed the signing of Argentina defender Cristian Romero from Atalanta on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old, who helped his country win the Copa America this summer, became the club's second most expensive player after joining in a deal worth up to £47m.