Manchester United target Harry Kane should stay at Spurs and keep improving, says Michael Owen

Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has warned Harry Kane's suitors about breaking the bank for him this summer, suggesting the Tottenham starlet still will need to replicate his "astonishing" debut campaign next season "to prove he is right up there".

The 21-year-old striker started the campaign as Mauricio Pochettino's third striker behind Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado but took his opportunities to become the sensation of the Premier League, scoring 31 goals in all competitions.

Recent reports claimed that Louis van Gaal has identified Kane as his ideal replacement for Radamel Falcao and is planning a £40m ($62m) bid to lure him from White Hart Lane.

Former coach and player Phil Neville claimed Kane "would be [a dream signing]" for the Premier League giants but now Owen has been more cautious about whether he is worth the money.

The former Liverpool and United star admits he has been impressed by Kane's sensational breakthrough into the Tottenham first-team but believes he is yet to justify his real worth.

"Astonishing. I don't think anyone could believe he would reach the levels he's reached because he didn't break any records as a youth player," Owen told Standard Sport.

"He's really enhanced his value, and his value to Spurs, based on last season's performances. They certainly have an asset on their hands. [However] he has to start next season really well.

"Everyone is taking him really seriously but to prove he is right up there, he has to do it again."

Either way Tottenham have insisted they are unlikely to part ways with the striker at any price after selling some of their major assets in recent seasons, including Luka Modric and Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.