Ange Postecoglou urges Spurs to soften Harry Kane blow with signings

Ange Postecoglou has challenged Tottenham to act like a big club and replace “greatness with greatness” after he revealed his own preparations for Harry Kane’s departure started on July 12.

Kane is in Germany after Spurs and Bayern Munich reached an agreement for the transfer of the England captain with a deal worth an initial £100million, followed by a further £20m in add-ons.

Bayern’s pursuit of the forward can be charted back to at least October when the forward straight batted away questions about moving to the Bundesliga champions ahead of a Champions League tie with Frankfurt following reports in the German media.

When Postecoglou took over at Spurs in June, he was completely across Kane’s situation and, despite reports of up to three bids being rejected along with public courting from Bayern officials Uli Hoeness and Herbert Hainer throughout the summer, there is now clarity for all parties involved.

Yet Postecoglou has been clear in his mind that this season would mark the start of the post-Kane era from his first meeting with the 30-year-old in July when Tottenham’s international players returned to their Enfield training base.

“I had a conversation with Harry the first day he arrived and he was up front and honest. I was the same,” Postecoglou revealed.

“In my mind, after that initial conversation, it seemed like Harry had made up his mind that if the clubs could agree, he was going to go. If not, he was happy to stay.

“He was very professional about it and I tried to treat him with the respect that someone of his standing deserved.

“He sent me a message (this week) and I sent him a message back. I don’t think either of us were surprised by the outcome.

“You do due diligence when you take a job and hopefully I