Tottenham Hotspur have been holding discussions over a swoop for Maxime Esteve and may need him to push for a transfer to Hotspur Way if they want to stand a chance of convincing Burnley to lower their demands ahead of the new campaign, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Spurs are on the verge of sealing the arrival of Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghanaian undergoing medical tests ahead of a £55million switch from West Ham United, but head coach Thomas Frank is in the market for further reinforcements as he prepares for a season which will include Champions League action.
Although Brentford marksman Yoane Wissa is on Tottenham's radar, while there is also interest in Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, the north Londoners are searching for another defensive presence to provide the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven with fresh competition.
Spurs Face Stumbling Block in Esteve Pursuit
North Londoners will have to splash cash to recruit 23-year-old
Tottenham have been locked in talks over a move for Esteve, according to GMS sources, but Burnley's demands are proving to be a significant stumbling block as the newly-promoted Premier League side have slapped a £50million price tag on him in a bid to deter suitors from testing their resolve with a formal offer.
The 23-year-old has been described as 'unbelievable' by Clarets boss Scott Parker, who enjoyed time at Spurs during his playing career, and he had a crucial role in steering the Lancashire side back into the top flight at the first attempt after making himself one of the first names on the team sheet.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham do not feel that Burnley have priced Esteve at market value, despite enjoying a productive 2024/25 campaign, and they may need him to agitate for a switch in order to be able to recruit him for closer to the £30million they are adamant he should cost.
The Europa League winners are not the only side showing interest in luring the centre-back away from Turf Moor as there have been suggestions that domestic counterparts Crystal Palace and Everton - along with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich - have also included him on their shortlist of targets.
But Tottenham are attempting to steal a march as there has been contact with Burnley over the possibility of a deal for Esteve, GMS sources have learned, and negotiations have begun as the north Londoners aim to build on the imminent acquisition of Kudus as a fresh attacking threat.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Maxime Esteve won four aerial duels and made three clearances during Burnley's victory over Millwall on the final day of the 2024/25 Championship campaign
Frenchman worked his way onto radar during Postecoglou's reign
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham's interest in Esteve predates the appointment of Frank as Ange Postecoglou's successor in the hot-seat as the capital club have had him in their sights for more than six months and have been contemplating whether to up the ante in their pursuit.
Spurs are confident that they will have no issues meeting the Frenchman's salary demands if they manage to reach an agreement with Burnley as he is currently on a contract worth £15,000-per-week, but work still needs to be done to ensure he embarks on a fresh challenge away from Turf Moor.
Tottenham have been considering Esteve due to there being a strong desire to bring in another option at the heart of the backline ahead of Frank's first season at the helm, GMS sources understand, while a left-back is also being sought after Sergio Reguilon was among the names to depart as a free agent when his deal expired at the end of last month.
GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs are prepared to sell Yves Bissouma, which would leave a void in the middle of the park, and Serie A heavyweights Juventus are among the sides showing a willingness to offer an exit route as they aim to bolster their squad before the campaign gets underway.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 10/07/2025