Tottenham are not planning on initiating contract talks with Harry Kane following last summer’s proposed deals being rejected, according to a report by David Ornstein for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Kane linked with Manchester City…

The 28-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City last summer, with the Premier League champions' manager having labelled him an ‘incredible striker’.

However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was determined to keep his star striker at N17. As such, the north London club rejected a seismic £125m bid for the player, and a deal failed to materialise before the end of the transfer window.

During City’s pursuit, Tottenham offered the England captain a lucrative contract extension. This was rejected, as Kane’s mind was already set on a move to the Etihad Stadium.

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The Latest: No plans for Kane contract talks

Ornstein reported for The Athletic that Antonio Conte would love to tie down Spurs’ most-prized asset for the long-term, as the club pursue Champions League qualification.

However, Tottenham do not plan on initiating contract talks with Kane at this time, as the striker wants to assess the club’s progress and outlook before he makes a final decision on his future. Therefore, it is the player who will need to make the first move if talks over a contract extension are to commence.

Ornstein shared a link to the article via his Twitter account, stating: "Tottenham not planning to initiate Harry Kane contract talks - after deal rejected last summer, ball in his court".

The Verdict: Blow for Conte

This news will come as a huge blow for Conte, who has seemingly formed a great relationship with Kane. Indeed, it was just this weekend that the 52-year-old hailed the England captain as a "world-class striker" after his match-winning double in a dramatic 3-2 triumph over City at the Etihad.

As per Fabrizio Romano, one of the main reasons why Spurs director Fabio Paratici wanted Conte at the club was that the 28-year-old would play the central role in his project, perhaps increasing the likelihood of the player remaining in north London.

However, with Tottenham's reluctance to initiate talks following last year’s failed contract saga, Conte may well be concerned over Kane's future with the club. If the Englishman chooses not to open talks and again looks for a move to Man City, it could materialise this time.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano makes Harry Kane claim on Instagram