Tottenham are interested in Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, but the Clarets’ demands might prove to be a major stumbling block this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur have long shown interest in Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, with reports claiming that the Lilywhites even put in a late bid in the region of €24 million (£20.7m) for the Burnley centre-back during the winter window.
A few days ago, reports surfaced stating that Tottenham retain interest in Esteve and that contact has been established with newly promoted Burnley over a move for the 23-year-old centre-back.
Esteve did impress last season, as he was named Burnley’s player of the season, and was also named in the 2024/25 Championship Team of the Season, after having kept 30 clean sheets with the Clarets.
Tottenham face steep £50m fee for Maxime Esteve
Football Insider has now provided a further update on Spurs’ pursuit of Esteve, stating that Burnley are expected to demand a substantial fee for their in-demand centre-back.
It is understood that Scott Parker’s side are in no desperate need to sell their key player, as he has four years left on his current contract, with all negotiating cards believed to be in the hands of the former Championship side.
It is also claimed that it would be surprising if Burnley were to sell Esteve this summer; however, a deal could happen if an offer that is too good to turn down were made.
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Pete O’Rourke said: “He is a good player, Esteve – I am not surprised that clubs are looking at him.
“Everton showed a lot of interest in him as well, now Tottenham are being mentioned as contenders for his signature if he leaves Burnley this summer.
“Spurs did try to sign him in the January window when he was doing so well; Burnley do not want to lose Esteve, and they have put a £50 million price tag on his head.
“I do not think Spurs would go near that level to try and sign Esteve, but Burnley are in a really strong position to negotiate here.
“He is under contract until 2029 and they can demand a substantial fee because of his contract – that price tag will probably scare off most clubs.
“I would be massively surprised if Burnley were to cash in on him in this window, unless it is an offer that is too good to turn down.”
Spurs centre-back depth makes Maxime Esteve move unlikely
Fabrizio Romano has since poured cold water on reports linking Tottenham with a move for Esteve, with the transfer expert reporting that Spurs have not made contact with Burnley over a move for the 23-year-old.
Spurs currently have about eight centre-backs in their team at the moment, including the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips.
While Spurs were credited with interest back in January, that interest sprang from an injury crisis that left the Lilywhites thin at the back.