Harry Kane hits nuclear button but must hope it does not blow up in his face | David Hytner

Tottenham striker has let himself down by failing to turn up and his move will only harden Daniel Levy’s position

So now we know. Harry Kane really is prepared to do whatever it takes to force a move from Tottenham to Manchester City. The question had nagged away since the final week of last season when Kane and his camp had given the definitive signal that they wanted out and the battle lines were drawn, with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, digging in and refusing to countenance the sale.

Would Kane be prepared to activate the nuclear option and withdraw his cooperation at Spurs? Surely not, most people had hoped, because to do the dirty like this would be so unbecoming of a homegrown hero, of an England captain.

Related: Harry Kane fails to report at Tottenham training ground as he seeks transfer