The blame in the failure to sign Harry Kane lies solely with Manchester City and their hierarchy.
After a drawn-out wrangle to sign Kyle Walker five years ago, City know first-hand that Tottenham chief Daniel Levy is a stubborn operator.
So blaming his unwillingness to negotiate is not a valid excuse. At the start of the summer, Levy said Kane was not for sale — and he stuck to his guns.
Harry Kane is going to remain at Tottenham despite serious interest from Manchester City
City chief Khaldoon Al Mubarak (above) has failed to get one of his main transfer targets
Even if City thought they were winning the race to sign him, it is ludicrous they had no Plan B.