Eberechi Eze is expected to dominate headlines in the final few weeks of the transfer window, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both keen on him.
Arsenal remain favourites to sign Eze this summer, but could still face competition for his signature from Tottenham Hotspur.
James Maddison’s ‘brutal’ injury means that Thomas Frank’s team are now desperate for an attacking midfielder, and Eze could be the perfect fit.
But after another underwhelming display in pre-season, Mikel Arteta could demand that a move for Eze is accelerated.
Jermain Defoe has been discussing the possibility of the 27-year-old moving to North London this summer and whether he would actually be a solid fit.
Jermain Defoe backs Tottenham to sign Eberechi Eze
Defoe believes that Eberechi Eze is the ideal ‘Tottenham player’ given the freedom with which he plays on the pitch.
The former Tottenham striker believes that the club need to replace Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, who are both struggling with long-term injuries.
The 42-year-old has backed his ex-club to make a move for Eze, despite Arsenal being heavily linked with a move for the England international.
Defoe told TalkSPORT: “Eze is someone who, if this makes sense, is a Tottenham player, someone who plays with freedom, and you look at the great players over the years that the players have had.
“Technically, how good he is and how confident he is and another special footballer. If that can happen, then it will be only good for the team, because when you get the injuries, you need to replace these players.”
TBR Football understands that Eze’s £60m release clause has now expired, meaning clubs will need to negotiate with Palace over a deal.
Eze has been telling friends he’s joining Arsenal, which would now make a move to Spurs rather tricky.
Other Tottenham targets if Eberechi Eze joins Arsenal
Leicester City attacker Bilal El Khannouss has been linked with Tottenham and he could be landed for a bargain fee.
The Moroccan international has a release clause of around £22m, which could entice Spurs to make a move for the 21-year-old.
Tottenham moving for Jack Grealish appears to be unlikely at this stage, given that Spurs have opted against pursuing him. Everton are pushing to sign Grealish.
Rafael Leao has been offered to Tottenham, but his heart seems to be set on staying at AC Milan for at least another season.
Time is running out for Spurs to make moves in the transfer window, with just 25 days remaining until the September 1 deadline.