Spurs are not as far forward in a transfer negotiation as reports had suggested on Saturday.
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Tottenham Hotspur have had their hopes of landing an imminent transfer for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze dealt a fresh blow on Sunday afternoon.
The England international has emerged as a top target for Spurs and reports on Saturday suggested that a deal was so close to completion that Eze would not feature in the Crystal Palace squad to take on Chelsea.
The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the FA Community Shield triumph over Liverpool last weekend, which Oliver Glasner’s side won on penalties.
Tottenham Hotspur push for Crystal Palace transfer
Eze has been linked with a move to both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this summer but it appears to be the former side who are frontrunners. The Gunners have invested heavily in their side already this summer and are now widely thought to be in a position where they need to sell-to-buy.
Spurs have been more frugal with just £55 million man Mohammed Kudus through the door as a marquee signing, as well as the loan move of Mathys Tel being made permanent.
Amid reports of a potential absence on Sunday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had claimed: “Eberechi Eze has informed Crystal Palace earlier this weeks about his desire to join Tottenham. Talks progressing as Eze already said yes to Spurs project, ready to make his move this month. Nothing done yet but Eze hopes for #THFC move asap.”
Eberechi Eze included in Eagles XI at Chelsea
Romano then added: “No guarantee yet on Eberechi Eze out of Crystal Palace squad for Chelsea game. Negotiations advancing with Tottenham, agreement done with the player who has informed Palace of his desire…but not a done deal yet; so Glasner and his staff will decide on Sunday morning.”
While Tottenham Hotspur supporters may have had built up hopes of an imminent announcement, Eze has now been confirmed in the Crystal Palace matchday squad. Not only has the player travelled to Stamford Bridge, but he has been named in the starting XI by Glasner.
Eze still has another two years left on his Crystal Palace contract, meaning that the club is not pressured to sanction an exit this summer. The forward did have a £68 million release clause in his contract this summer but that was not activated by Spurs or any potential suitor.
The Guardian claim that a deal is now looking likely to cost £55 million plus add-ons. However, as he continues to play for Crystal Palace, any heroics at Chelsea could push that fee up for Spurs.
In other news, Tottenham star has rubbed salt into West Ham wounds today - opinion.