Daily Schmankerl: Tottenham Hotspur 'expects' return of Bayern Munich star Harry Kane; Dayot Upamecano talks getting more difficult?; Niclas Fullkrug to leave West Ham in January?; FC Barcelona finally pays its debt to Bayern; and MORE!

"Harry Kane is ready to trigger his Bayern Munich escape hatch, and Tottenham Hotspur have a secret weapon as they prepare to rival Barcelona in the race to sign their former striker, TEAMtalk understands. The England captain must notify Bayern by January 31 if he wants to activate the €65m (£57m / $75m) release clause that will free him next summer - and sources in Barcelona say he is seriously tempted by the LaLiga side's vision of a post-Robert Lewandowski attack."

"Barcelona see him as the perfect bridge before they attempt to sign Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, and are poised to offer Kane Champions League nights and a salary north of €500,000 (£440,000 / $575,000) per week, as they anticipate Lewandowski's departure next summer. Exploratory talks began last month; Kane's camp has signalled openness to a new league, even if it means parking his pursuit of Alan Shearer's 260-goal record (he sits on 213) in the Premier League."

"However, Tottenham hold matching rights from the 2023 sale, so if Bayern accepts a bid for Kane or his release clause is met, then the club have the option to match it. This could be the secret weapon that helps them in negotiations. Thomas Frank's positive start and system would suit Kane, and the emotional pull of unfinished business - plus 47 goals to immortality - remains potent. North London whispers suggest Bayern would demand the full clause plus add-ons from Spurs, testing even ENIC's appetite..."

Harry Kane can leave Bayern Munich in summer 2026 by activating a €65m release clause that must be notified by January 31. Barcelona view Kane as a short-term bridge before pursuing Erling Haaland and are prepared to offer Champions League football and a salary north of €500,000 per week. Exploratory talks took place last month and Kane's camp is open to a new league despite Premier League scoring ambitions. Tottenham Hotspur retain matching rights from the 2023 sale and expect Kane to return, with Thomas Frank's system and emotional unfinished business acting as incentives. Bayern could demand the full clause plus add-ons, testing club finances.

Read at Bavarian Football Works