Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino hopes Harry Kane can enjoy a month off in the summer rather than represent his country at the European Under-21 Championship.

Pochettino is keen to hold talks with the Football Association in an attempt to reach a compromise as he does not want the 21-year-old striker to suffer from burnout.

Due to Spurs’ run to the Capital One Cup final and last-32 of the Europa League, Kane has already played 44 games in all competitions this season, scoring an impressive 24 goals. In contrast, last term he only featured in 19 matches.

Kane is expected to be called into Roy Hodgson’s senior England squad for the first time later this month and could continue playing until the end of June if he is included in the squad for the European Under-21 Championship.

Pochettino is concerned that Kane may not be able to cope with such a punishing schedule, saying: “We need to speak with the FA.

“For us he is a very important player and we think he will be an important player for England. For that it’s important to take a decision all together to provide the best position for Harry.”

Tottenham can focus on challenging for a top-four finish in the closing weeks of the season after being beaten by Chelsea in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final, just three days after they were knocked out of the Europa League by Fiorentina.

They are available at 3.98 to beat Manchester United on 15th March while Louis van Gaal’s side are 1.79 to win the Old Trafford clash.