Tottenham have now turned their attention towards Eberechi Eze as they try to strengthen their squad in the final few weeks of the window.
The 27-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s finest creators during his time with the Eagles, and would certainly come at a significant cost to the Lilywhites.
Spurs are already in talks over a move for Eze, and it is thought that initial discussions regarding a deal have progressed well.
There is genuine hope that the Crystal Palace star could become the next new addition for Thomas Frank’s side, who have been linked with countless big-money targets so far this summer
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
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Eze to earn over £200,000-a-week as Tottenham eye Maddison replacement
Tottenham’s push for Eze has likely stemmed from the fact that James Maddison is facing another lengthy period on the sidelines.
The former Leicester City star was stretchered off in the recent friendly against Newcastle and has since undergone surgery on his ACL.
Eze is being targeted as a potential replacement for Maddison, but he would likely have significant wage demands, since he is now a genuine England international.
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that he could command a weekly wage of over £200,000 if the move does go through.
“Eze has moved from QPR to Palace and established himself as an international footballer and certainly one of the best in the Premier League,” King said.
“One of the main reasons why he’d come to Spurs would be the wages. It’s going to be in excess of £200,000-a-week here, which would be a big rise from where he is at the moment.
“Palace have won the FA Cup and they’ve won the Community Shield, maybe he (Eze) will feel that he’s fulfilled his time there and it could be time to move on.
“Tottenham would be mad not to put an offer in, they’ve got to get it done. He’d be the perfect replacement for Maddison, and I think he’s a better player than Maddison.”
Eze wages should be affordable for Spurs
Son Heung-min’s Spurs exit has left a big hole in every possible sense as we head into the new campaign, but it could at least have one benefit for the Lilywhites.
The South Korean superstar was believed to be the highest earner at Spurs, with estimates from Capology placing his weekly earnings in the region of £190,000.
However, with the veteran now out of the equation on Tottenham’s wage bill, there is money that has essentially been freed up, which could easily be used to satisfy Eze’s demands and ensure a deal can be reached.
Daniel Levy isn’t renowned as being somebody who is willing to flaunt his cash too often, but it could be a different story on this occasion, given the departure of the previous highest earner.