Tottenham are keen on signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer, but a deal now appears unlikely to happen.
Eze is being courted by both Tottenham and Arsenal following his incredible campaign for Palace, as he scored the winner in the FA Cup final.
Tottenham need to sign proven players who can make an immediate impact under Thomas Frank, and Eze would fit the bill as a Premier League star.
However, a £68million release clause would make it an expensive deal, and there has now been a new development over his future.
Tottenham back off in Eze race
Tottenham’s interest in Eze now appears to be at an end, with Arsenal seemingly pulling ahead in the race, as Spurs baulk at the asking price.
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Ben Jacobs has now told talkSPORT (27 June) that Spurs have backed off any bid to sign Eze as things stand.
“My understanding is that Tottenham have actually backed off in the last few hours, and although the interest is genuine, it is nothing more than that,” he stated.
Justin Kluivert could be available for £25.6m
With Spurs keen on adding a versatile attacking midfielder, Bournemouth star Justin Kluivert could be the perfect alternative to Eze.
Kluivert enjoyed an outstanding season with the Cherries, with 18 goal contributions in 34 Premier League games, and at 26, is now thriving as he comes into his prime years.
As it stands, Tottenham are yet to register their interest in Kluivert, but Bayer Leverkusen have now identified him as a target.
Jacobs has now reported that Leverkusen believe the versatile attacker could be available for less than £25.6m (€30m), and if this turns out to be the case, Spurs simply have to make a move.
Kluivert could be ideal for Tottenham
If there is a deal to be done, Kluivert could be the ideal Eze alternative Tottenham need this summer, and he would solve several issues.
He would arrive with Premier League and European experience under his belt, and is becoming a reliable goalscorer and creator in England.
Like Eze, Kluivert thrives in attacking midfield, but has also played on both wings throughout his career, in which he has featured for Roma, Ajax, Nice, Valencia and others before joining Bournemouth.
Spurs could seek to replace Son-Heung Min, and recruiting a player who can provide goals from the wing would be necessary, while more creativity in the middle of the park would also be useful.
Kluivert could provide both as a relatively inexpensive option, but it remains to be seen whether Bournemouth would sanction a sale to another English club.