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MARTIN SAMUEL: After being backed into a corner, Harry Kane's only option is to disrupt... he wanted to keep his reputation intact, but may have to painfully ruin his relationship with the Tottenham fans that love him if he is to force a move to Man City

Minutes after it was revealed Harry Kane did not report for training on Monday, Tottenham announced the identity of their Europa Conference League play-off opponents. Pacos de Ferreira or Larne, of Northern Ireland. One wonders if the events might have been related.

Not so much that Kane awoke, realised what the day had in store, groaned, and pulled the covers back over his head, more that he is aware of a deadline, a season fast approaching and the need to escalate the matter of his future.

It was always going to end this way.