Harry Kane would score at Erling Haaland’s pace if Man City had signed him instead, insists Alan Shearer who believes 40 Premier League goals is an easy target for the Norwegian star this season

Alan Shearer believes Tottenham striker Harry Kane would score as many goals as Erling Haaland had he joined Manchester City instead.

The Norway international has been a revelation at the Etihad Stadium since leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer.

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In just 13 games in all competitions this season, the 22-year-old has already scored 20 goals – with 15 of his Premier League goals.

But he might not even have had the chance to put on the City shirt if Pep Guardiola had succeeded and landed Kane from Spurs last year.

The Spanish boss was desperate to sign the England skipper as a replacement for Sergio Aguero, but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to accept any offer.

After scoring 27 goals last season, the 29-year-old has netted nine times this term, with only Haaland scoring more than him in the top flight so far.

And Newcastle legend Shearer says Kane would thrive at the Etihad as much as Haaland had he linked with City.

Writing for The Athletic, Shearer, who has backed Haaland to score 40 goals this season, said: “Everything could have been very different if Pep Guardiola had been successful last season and they had signed Harry Kane.

“There may have been no place for Haaland and he may have achieved these incredible goalscoring feats elsewhere.

“But if Harry was in this City team, he would score as many goals as Erling.

“It’s a dreamland for any top striker. I’ve always said it – a top scorer in this City team should score 40 goals. If Erling stays fit he’ll get that and maybe even a little more.

“Harry’s file tells you he would do that too. There’s no doubt that Pep thinks of Harry and what the vast majority of others think of him as well.

“He’s one of the best goalscorers: he’s netted eight in nine league appearances so far, which we’d be talking about a lot more without Erling.”

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Shearer added: “What’s scary for everyone is that Erling is only going to get better.

“Harry will be 30 next year and probably playing at the peak of his powers now, while Erling is only 22.

“I would be confident to score quite a few goals myself in this City team. A good striker should score 30 goals.

“A top of the line – which they have now – would get over 40. I’d be sure to get it.

“And I’m sure Harry would understand that too.”

Kane recently hailed Haaland’s “fantastic” start to life at City as he stressed he was only focused on himself.