Former England forward Wayne Rooney has advised international captain Harry Kane to turn down potential interest from Barcelona and instead push for a transfer to Manchester United this summer.
Reports from talkSPORT and Metro indicate that the Spanish champions have contacted Kane's representatives to gauge his availability, following Robert Lewandowski's move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
United previously pursued Kane before his 2023 switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich.
The 32-year-old striker has since scored 146 goals in 147 appearances and won two consecutive Bundesliga titles.
Rooney's Call for Kane's Return
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney stated that a return to England would allow Kane to chase Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League goalscoring record.
Kane currently sits 47 goals behind the 260-goal benchmark.
"I think everyone would have an interest," Rooney said.
The former Manchester United captain expressed his desire to see the prolific striker help revive the club's fortunes under manager Michael Carrick.
"Listen, if Harry Kane's not going to stay at Bayern Munich then I'd love him at Manchester United," Rooney added.
He noted that domestic milestones remain a major factor despite Kane's success in Germany.
"If he's listening: 'Harry, you've got Alan Shearer's record there… help get Manchester United back!'" , Rooney said.
Bayern Munich remains confident that Kane is satisfied in Germany and hopes to extend his contract beyond its expiration at the end of next season.
"You think for Harry Kane, he's won the Bundesliga and let's say he goes to Barcelona, he wins La Liga… deep down he wants to win the Premier League," Rooney said.
The England national team is currently preparing for a World Cup round-of-32 fixture against DR Congo in North America, aiming for its first international trophy since 1966.
"Imagine he comes to Manchester United and he's the one to drive that, to get Manchester United back to winning the league," Rooney said.
Rooney emphasized that Kane and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, who together scored five of England's six goals in the tournament, are crucial to manager Thomas Tuchel's strategy.
"If we win the tournament then it's because of them, more so Harry Kane from my point of view," Rooney said.
The former striker praised Bellingham's natural leadership, energy, and determination to inspire teammates during difficult matches.
"I think Jude is one of those players who lifts his team-mates, probably not even knowing he's doing it, in terms of desire and hunger," Rooney said.
Rooney explained that the team relies heavily on the clinical finishing of its captain to advance through the knockout stages.
"Harry is the one who you're relying on with his goals," Rooney said.
The winner of England's match against DR Congo will advance to face either Ecuador or co-hosts Mexico in the last-16 stage.
"Jude will have big moments and he'll win us the game at some point, but Harry's goals will be the one thing, I think, which if we win the tournament then it will be because of Harry's goals," Rooney said.
"But there will be one game, it might be a semi-final, where it's tight and that's where Jude will go and take the game," he concluded.
