Building a Starting XI That Would Be Cheaper Than Buying Harry Kane

Tottenham's Harry Kane is a world class goalscorer, you only need to look at his record to see that. 

But despite all his goals, the England captain is yet to get his hands on some silverware at club level. And this has led to growing speculation that he could soon be on his way out of north London as he looks to take the next step in his career. 

​Kane's refused to rule out a move away from Tottenham, the only problem for him, however, is that the club are ​said to be holding out for as much as £200m for his services. In today's market, that isn't exactly all that shocking, but it would be difficult to see many clubs matching this asking price. 

Additionally, at the moment, there are a number of alternatives out there - who are much more affordable. So with this, we've decided to form a full starting XI that would be cheaper than buying one ​Harry Kane - and we will do so by using players who have been linked with a move away from their current clubs in recent times...

Goalkeeper

Sergio Romero (GK) - One of the best back-up goalkeepers around, Romero would walk into the starting lineup of a number of top clubs around Europe. There is the ​possibility that he could depart ​Man Utd when the transfer window opens, but he'd be a major loss for the Red Devils. 11 clean sheets from 14 appearances in 2019/20 isn't bad, is it? 

This team is in safe hands. 

Fee: £2.4m 

Defence

Thomas Meunier (RB) - Meunier's PSG contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and it looks as though he could be moving on. An attacking right back, the Belgium international will be providing the width in this lineup, supporting the attacks and acting as an outlet. Aged 28, Meunier is an experienced defender and will bring key leadership qualities to this backline. 

Fee: Free

Mohammed Salisu (CB) - 21-year-old Mohammed Salisu has been very impressive this season for Real Valladolid. Standing 6ft 3in tall, Salisu has a commanding and domineering presence, but equally he is technically sound and is comfortable on the ball. Salisu has all the necessary attributes to become a top class defender for years to come, and he's already attracted plenty of attention this season because of his fine displays. The best part? He has a release clause of just €12m (£10.42m). A no-brainer. 

Fee: £10.4m

Luiz Felipe (CB) - Partnering Salisu at the back is Luiz Felipe, who has been linked with Barcelona in recent times. Felipe has been a key figure at the back for Lazio this season, helping them in their push for the league crown. The 23-year-old's performances have seen him attract plenty of attention, and it is said ​he could be on his way out of the club for just £17m.

Fee: £17m

Marc Cucurella (LB) - Getafe are expected to sign Cucurella on a permanent basis from ​Barcelona, but considering the interest in the youngster, he could still move elsewhere once the transfer window opens. The Spaniard's capable of playing at left-back or on the wing, but we've decided to keep him in a defensive role here. A versatile, well-rounded youngster who has a very bright future ahead of him - and should Getafe make the move permanent, ​he would have a release clause of just £21.7m. 

Fee: £21.7m

Midfield

William Carvalho (CM) - William Carvalho gets the nod in defensive midfield, the Portuguese sits in front of the defence and effortlessly dispossesses his opponent, ushering them off the ball with his height and power, before casually sliding the ball through to a teammate. He's not lightning quick, he's not a goal-getter, but he provides the platform for his attacking teammates to shine. And with Leicester keen on him, ​he could be available for just £17.4m. 

Fee: £17.4m

Corentin Tolisso (CM) - It hasn't quite worked out for Tolisso at ​Bayern Munich, but there is no denying the midfielder's quality. The Frenchman can play deep or slightly further up the field, with his passing and vision allowing him to link-up effectively with those around him. At just a reported £25m, Tolisso could be one of the best signings of the summer if a club is able to get him back playing at his best. 

Fee: £25m

Jonathan David (AM) - In the attacking midfield role is Jonathan David, who has been lighting up Belgium's top division this season with Gent. 23 goals and ten assists from 40 appearances this season underlines his abilities and eye for goal, but what is perhaps most impressive is the fact that he has achieved these numbers while playing in a number of positions. Most frequently deployed as an attacking midfielder, David can also play as a centre forward or on the wing. His current £22m valuation ​could even drop further due to the coronavirus crisis. 

Fee: £17m

Forwards

Timo Werner (RW) - We know we're not allowed to have Harry Kane in this lineup, but it's ok because we've gone and got ourselves another one of Europe's finest attackers in Timo Werner instead! The only problem, however, is that there are so many world class talents that could be available that we have had to stick Werner out on the wing. Pace, power, ruthless in front of goal and still only 24, the German is understandably attracting quite a lot of interest. 

It is said that Werner's ​release clause of around £50m expires at the end of April, so we've moved quickly to secure his signature. 

Fee: £50m

Edinson Cavani (ST) - Usually, an attacker that scores 27 goals and provides 12 assists in 36 appearances would have the central striking role nailed down, but this isn't the case here for Werner as ​Edinson Cavani has proven to be quite a prolific goalscorer over the years. In fact, he has 200 goals in 301 appearances for PSG. The Uruguayan's contract is due to expire in the summer, and a number of clubs are expected to fight it out for his signature. A proven world class talent who would be an excellent short term option. 

Fee: Free

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW) - ​Arsenal's ​Aubameyang rounds off this stellar front three, and indeed team. The Gunners captain has been forced to operate as a left-winger at points this season, but this doesn't stop Aubameyang from finding the net with great regularity. He is regarded as one of the world's finest finishers, and aged 30, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him make a switch as he looks to pick up some silverware - particularly considering the fact ​Arsenal are prepared to sell him. 

Fee: £39m

Total Cost: £199.9m

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