Exclusive: Steve Howey insists Man City were correct to target Harry Kane over Erling Haaland

Steve Howey believes Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was right to target Harry Kane instead of Erling Haaland during the transfer window.

Guardiola publicly confirmed his intentions to sign Kane after the Tottenham Hotspur striker admitted he wanted to challenge for trophies elsewhere.

The interest also came after Kane picked up the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker awards last season, having contributed 23 goals and 14 assists.

However, City have lost out in their pursuit of the England captain after he took to Twitter to confirm he will be staying at Spurs.

City have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund frontman Erling Haaland.

According to Spanish media outlet Marca, Haaland has a buyout clause of £64million which could become active as soon as January. The report suggests City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keen to sign the 21-year-old.

But former City defender Howey believes Guardiola was correct to prioritise a move for Kane over Haaland.

He exclusively told TIF: “I think, just purely and simply because of internationals, Kane is a better striker at the moment.

“He has longevity but if you look at Erling Haaland, he’s quick, strong, good in the air and can score with both feet.

“He already is but he will be even more frightening in a couple of years’ time. Just purely because of the international side of things, I would prefer Kane but Erling is not far away at all from him at this early stage of his career.”