Journalist Pete O’Rourke has shed light on the latest developments regarding Crystal Palace’s transfer plans, which bode well for Tottenham in their pursuit of Eberechi Eze.
Reports have indicated that Tottenham sources are confident that they will be able to strike a deal with Palace for Eze.
However, Eze got the nod to start in Palace’s clash against Chelsea on Sunday, which suggests that the Lilywhites have work to do to secure the player.
Some Spurs fans were concerned when the Independent’s Miguel Delaney reported that Tottenham’s pursuit of the Ealges star has “slowed” and added that the player starting against Chelsea is evidence of the same.
Pete O’Rourke’s latest revelation will give Tottenham Hotspur fans some positive feelings about the Eberechi Eze deal.
The journalist shared he has heard that Palace are now eyeing Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Eze. That suggests that the Eagles are far from confident that the attacking midfielder will remain at Selhurst Park.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke said about El Khannouss: “He was one of Leicester’s shining lights last season in the Premier League. He’s a very smart operator, and he’s got potential to move on to a bigger club and become a big player for them in the future.
“He isn’t letting the speculation affect him at the moment. He started for Leicester in their opening game of the season and got a couple of assists as well.
“There’s a lot of competition for El Khannouss. Leeds have been strongly looking at him to see if they can bring him in. There has also been talk that Crystal Palace could enter the race for El Khannouss if Eberechi Eze were to leave for Tottenham; he would be seen as a replacement for him.
“I think Leicester are open to selling him, and they’ll face a real battle to convince the player to stay in the Championship if he does have Premier League offers. He’s going to be one to keep an eye on before the end of the window because I think there are going to be offers for him between now and the end of the window.”
Spurs will feel they are in a strong negotiating position for Eze
It has been widely reported that Arsenal have decided against pursuing Eze as they are prioritising signing a left-winger over a number 10.
Additionally, reports indicate that Eberechi Eze has already informed Palace of his desire to join Spurs, and the player has agreed on personal terms with the Lilywhites.