Harry Kane believes that Philippe Coutinho has been “very professional” in eventually getting his long-desired move from Liverpool to Barcelona, as he said clubs should generally let players who want to go because they may not “put their heart on the line”.

The comments mean all the more from Kane given that he is someone who has declared his ambition to stay at Tottenham Hotspur in the long term, even though they are often in a similar situation to Liverpool with wealthier clubs looking for their players, and some of his teammates might well have that soon.

It is expected that Spurs will eventually stretch their wage structure to offer the striker a new contract - and probably more than double his wages - but Kane denied any knowledge of a deal.

Premier League transfer round-up 6th January: Coutinho moves to Barca

Coutinho is meanwhile set to complete his move to Barcelona on Monday and, despite some controversy over how he left Liverpool, Kane does not see an issue.

“It’s a matter of opinion,” the 24-year-old said. “I think if a player wants to go then why would you stop him? He’s not going to be in the club, he’s not going to play every game, he’s not going to put his heart on the line.

“From the Coutinho point of view I think he’s been very professional in the six months he has played this year and, look, Liverpool have got a good offer from Barca and accepted it so I wouldn’t say they’re powerless but I can see why if a player wants to go you would let him go.”

Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Inter Milan debut 2010 Coutinho joined Inter in 2008 from Vasco da Gama but was loaned back until 2010 AFP/Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Inter Milan 2008-2013 Coutinho made 28 appearances and scored three goals before being loaned out to Espanyol Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Under-20 World Cup Coutinho was part of the Brazil team to win the under-20 World Cup in 2011 AFP/Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Signing for Liverpool 2013 Liverpool signed Coutinho for £8m from Inter Liverpool FC via Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Signing for Liverpool 2013 Coutinho was handed the No 10 shirt at Anfield after being recommended by then-Inter boss Rafa Benitez Liverpool FC via Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures First Liverpool goal Coutinho scored his first goal against Swansea Liverpool FC via Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Coutinho and Suarez Coutinho and Suarez became close friends at Liverpool - so much so that Suarez has already bought him a house in Barcelona ahead of his move Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Brazil debut 2010 Coutinho made his first senior appearance against Iran before facing Mexico AFP/Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures World Cup 2018 Coutinho will be a third of one of the deadliest attacking triumvirate going to Russia this summer Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Final Liverpool goal His final Liverpool goal came against the same opponents as his first as the Reds beat Swansea 5-0 Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Final Liverpool appearance Coutinho's final Liverpool appearance in a Reds shirt came on 30 December against Leicester Liverpool FC via Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures £142m man Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona - the second most expensive ever - was announced on 6 January AFP/Getty Images Philippe Coutinho career in pictures Officially a Barcelona player Coutinho underwent a medical on 8 January ahead of his official unveiling later that day Getty Images

When it was put to Kane that clubs might expect want-away players honour their contract, he responded: “Again, it’s a matter of opinion. It’s hard to talk about but the situation at the time, you kind of assess it and I suppose see what’s best for the team and what the manager wants to do and you go from there really.”

Kane stated he had no contract talks with Tottenham and that are none planned that he would “know of”, but re-iterated why he wants to stay.

“I’ve always said: keep progressing, keep getting better, start winning trophies. That’s the aim, as long as the club keep doing that then, yeah I’m happy here.”

The striker also added that there was a strong motivation among the squad to win the FA Cup this season, especially with Manchester City so far ahead in the league.