Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City’s interest in Harry Kane, admitting that the Premier League champions are waiting for encouragement to negotiate with Tottenham for the striker.

The City manager broke his habit of retaining silence on transfer targets by confirming that Kane is of interest to the Premier League champions.

City want to ascertain whether it is possible to land Kane after breaking the British transfer record to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100million. Daniel Levy values Kane at £150m.

The Spanish boss claimed striking a deal for Tottenham ace Kane is now their priority, not Messi.

On Messi, Guardiola said: “It was a surprise for everyone, me included.

“Of course, I wish him the best in the last years of his career.

“We have spent £40m on Jack Grealish – £100m we pay and £60m we won last year (in transfer sales).

“He’ll have the No10 because we were incredibly convinced with Jack Grealish and were convinced that Leo would continue at Barcelona.

“Right now (a move for Messi is) not in our thoughts, absolutely not.”

Guardiola has revealed City are still keen on a move for Kane – but are growing weary with Tottenham’s refusal to negotiate.

The England captain, 28, is desperately trying to force a move to the Etihad – where he would link up with Three Lions pal Grealish after his move.

Tottenham are furious with Kane after he refused to turn up for training and instead extended his holiday from the Bahamas to Florida.

On the possibility of signing Kane, Guardiola revealed: “He’s a player for Tottenham.

“If Tottenham don’t want to negotiate, it’s finished.

“If they are open to negotiate, I think not just Man City but many clubs in the world want to try to sign him – we are not an exception – but it depends on Tottenham.

“Harry Kane is an exceptional, extraordinary striker – no doubts about that, of course we are interested.

“But he is a Tottenham player and if they don’t want to negotiate there is nothing more to say. If they want to, we will try.”