Kane: In AVB's thoughts this season

Villas-Boas hopes to sign Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent deal next week, and it had been expected that the Portuguese would raid the market for another forward before the transfer window shut.

The 34-year-old has been impressed with Kane's performances in pre-season, however, and is keen for the Chingford teenager to play a significant part in the league this term.

Kane, who came through Tottenham's academy, was a big hit on loan at Millwall last year, scoring nine goals including four in his last six matches, and Villas-Boas thinks the teenager will be desperate to make an impact this season.

Villas-Boas said: "Tottenham had three strikers of great dimension last year - Adebayor, Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

"Normally there is one that doesn't get as much time as he thinks he should get.

"When you play a system with one striker it is very difficult to get the third one to play enough.

"Normally in my teams I like to promote the third one as a young striker who is competing for that place a bit more aggressively."

Kane is likely to start Saturday evening's season-opener at Newcastle - the Portuguese's first competitive game in charge - on the bench.

Villas-Boas was a surprise choice in many people's eyes to take over from Harry Redknapp, who did not finish lower than fifth during his three full seasons at White Hart Lane.

The Portuguese alienated parts of the Stamford Bridge dressing room after setting about making drastic changes, but he has been given another chance to prove himself in the Premier League - something which he is thankful for.

"The option came and I am very grateful to be back at this level in the Premier League and I am very excited," Villas-Boas added.