Harry Kane brings more ‘to the party’ than Erling Haaland, claims Paul Merson

Speculation over England captain’s future mounted after Spurs’ Europa League exit

(Getty Images)

Harry Kane brings more “to the party” than Erling Haaland, according to Paul Merson.

Kane scored from the penalty spot during Tottenham’s crucial victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, taking his top-flight tally to 17 goals for the season.

During a week of turmoil at Spurs, with the club’s dismal Europa League exit leading to questions over Jose Mourinho’s future, speculation has built around Kane’s future.

The England captain has made no secret of his desire to win trophies and has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City in the past, however, Spurs are under no pressure to sell, with Kane having three years remaining on his contract.

Merson believes Kane is currently the best striker in the world and would be a greater signing than the prolific 20-year-old Haaland, who has also attracted interest from the Premier League.

Erling Haaland has been in prolific form for Borussia Dortmund (EPA)

“He’s got an all-round game and I personally think he’s the best centre-forward in the world, he’s the only player I know who has got the whole package,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“People will go ‘oh (Erling) Haaland, he’s 20, he scores goals, that’s what he brings to the party’. Kane brings everything to the party.

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“He’s got an array of passing, he can put people in, he can join the play. I can’t talk highly enough of the lad, I really can’t, he’s a special, special player.

“I’m not sure about it (breaking Shearer’s record), at 30, 31 he’s still got to get 25 a season. He can play so much deeper and he’s a team player. He’s not someone like a (Sergio) Aguero who’s just going to sit in the box.”