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Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eberechi Eze after hijacking rivals Tottenham's £60million, plus add-ons move for the star.

The Gunners made a late swoop for Crystal Palace's Eze, after rivals Spurs had been closing in on securing a deal to sign him.

Spurs were on the verge of completing a deal to sign the England international in a deal worth around £60m, but Arsenal accelerated their negotiations on Wednesday, with Palace delaying.

It's understood that boyhood Gunners fan Eze, who also played in the club's academy, went back on his agreement with Spurs in order to seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

And talkSPORT can confirm that the Gunners and Palace have now agreed a deal in principle that will see Eze join for £60m, a club-record sale for the Eagles.

Spurs have now officially withdrawn their interest in Eze, with Thomas Frank's side forced to consider alternatives.

Arsenal stepped up their interest in Eze after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury that is expected to rule him out for several weeks.

They held talks with Eze earlier in the summer window, and they have now returned, with things moving quickly.

The Gunners have met the conditions set by Palace, as the 27-year-old nears a late change in destination.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are understood to have met with the England international in early July.

They pitched the Arsenal project before Spurs came in with their bid for him, which was close to being completed.

Eze was sold on joining the Gunners over a month ago, but no formal offer came in from the club; however, it has come now and Eze is ready to join, with the previous talks crucial to the move.

Why have Arsenal bid for Eze now?

As mentioned, Arsenal have made their late approach to sign Eze after Havertz picked up an injury.

Havertz, who came off the bench in their season opener against Manchester United, is said to have suffered a knee injury.

The severity of the German's knock is unknown as things stand, but it is expected to sideline him for a few weeks.

He was absent from the Gunners' training session on Wednesday.

Arteta now moving for Eze is an indication that Havertz is set for a significant spell out, as the manager looks for more attacking options to cover for him.

Viktor Gyokeres is now the only fit striker in the squad, leaving Leandro Trossard potentially having to fill the void.

It means the Gunners could also put Mikel Merino up front, with that opening gaps that Eze could be set to fill.

Eze can play in midfield or out wide on the left, which could suit Arsenal and their often fluid approach with positions.

Noni Madueke still has to win over fans at the Emirates, while Gabriel Martinelli has come under criticism too.

So, Eze may be a perfect option to upgrade on the left flank.

That's if he doesn't cover in midfield along with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and new summer arrival Martin Zubimendi.

Last season, Eze netted eight goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League, playing inside off the left wing.

Eze to play in Europe

Earlier on Wednesday, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Eze will start their opening European clash.

Palace take on Fredrikstad FK on Thursday in what is the club's first match in their Conference League campaign.

Glasner said at his press conference: "The player gives 100 per cent because he is under contract. We don't have to say thank you every day, he is getting a few pounds every week.

"Many of you were surprised he and Marc [Guehi] started against Chelsea, you may be surprised they start tomorrow, but they are committed to the team.

"They will play a crucial part for as long as they are here they are committed to the team. If they leave, they want to leave as the guys who gave 100 per cent to Crystal Palace."

But Eze's move to Arsenal may have already wrapped up by then.

INEOS have launched legal action against Tottenham Hotspur over sponsorship talks to Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich.

It follows Spurs' decision to sue Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company in June over allegations INEOS had attempted to walk away from their deal.

The club previously agreed a five-year partnership with the chemical firm in 2022.

Their relationship now appears fractured, though, with INEOS reportedly counter-suing the Premier League side.

According to The Telegraph, Spurs have been accused of holding talks with Audi over a potential sponsorship deal.

The discussions are said to have been linked with Kane's sale to Bayern during the summer of 2023.

Spurs are alleged to have held the talks whilst a deal to promote INEOS' Grenadier car was in place.

The legal action is seeking more than £1million with the claim the club's deal with INEOS was exclusive.

A statement from the firm read: "The particulars of claim make no mention of a highly significant series of events by which the club, unbeknown to INEOS, started negotiating with a major competitor to INEOS with the intention of granting rights to that competitor which were exclusive to INEOS under the agreement."

Spurs first started working with INEOS five years ago after the company became their official hand sanitiser provider.

The pair later penned a five-year sponsorship agreement in 2022.

As a result, the logo of the INEOS Grenadier was displayed on seats in the dugouts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Their deal was agreed prior to Ratcliffe buying a minority stake in Manchester United.

The British billionaire's purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils was finalised in February last year, with Ratcliffe now overseeing football operations at the club.

Why are Spurs suing Ineos?

Spurs launched their own legal action against INEOS back in June.

Their case relates to the cancellation of their sponsorship agreement with the company.

The club allege that INEOS had attempted to walk away from the deal, which was not due to expire until 2027.

However, INEOS responded by stating they had a 'contractual right to terminate our partnership contract and in December 2024 exercised that right'.

Back on the football pitch, Spurs continue their campaign away to Manchester City on Saturday, live on talkSPORT.

Thomas Frank's side are fresh from beating newly-promoted Burnley 3-0 on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Eberechi Eze may be inching closer towards an exit from Crystal Palace, but Adam Wharton won't be going any time soon.

Well, that's if a small gesture on live television is to be believed.

Sky Sports cameras were at Palace's training ground in Beckenham and captured their players being put though their paces during a warm-up exercise.

Reporter Gary Cotterill, who was in remarkably close proximity to Eze and Wharton, was asked by the Sky Sports host to enquire with Wharton about his future.

In response, Cotterill said within earshot of the Palace duo: "I'm not going to ask Adam Wharton about his future, no."

Cotterill's reply prompted Eze to turn around and sport a wry smile.

As for Wharton, he pulled up his sports vest and pointed to the Palace badge in an indication he seemingly plans to remain at Selhurst Park for the foreseeable future.

Which Premier League club was linked with Wharton?

talkSPORT reported last Sunday Manchester United had cast their eye towards Wharton after they were told Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was not for sale.

The Red Devils had taken a liking to Wharton given the 21-year-old's impressive rise since he joined from Blackburn in January 2024.

Since his arrival, Wharton has won the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace and been capped for England at senior level.

It's not just United who have kept tabs on Wharton in recent months.

The Eagles rejected Bayern Munich's advances for their prized asset last summer while Spanish giants Real Madrid had their scouts cast their eyes over the midfielder in person.

Spanish giants Real Madrid sent scouts to watch the midfielder while Palace rejected Bayern Munich's advances for their prized asset last summer.

Although the south London side stand a strong chance of keeping Wharton, it is increasingly likely Eze's time at the club is nearing its end.

Eberechi Eze's future

talkSPORT understands Tottenham Hotspur is on the brink of striking an agreement with Palace for Eze.

Palace are set to net approximately £60million as part of the deal, a figure £8m lower than his release clause which expired last Friday.

Tottenham's need for a new attacking midfielder was exarcebated after James Maddison sustained an ACL injury in a pre-season clash against Newcastle.

The injury is expected to sideline Maddison for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign.

Who could Palace sign as an Eze replacement?

As Eze inches closer towards a Selhurst Park exit, Palace have wasted little time in procuring a replacement.

talkSPORT understands the Eagles have a verbal agreement in place with Leicester City for 21-year-old talent Bilal El Khanouss.

The Moroccan ace, who has featured three times and registered two assists for the Foxes this season, will cost Palace a cool £32m.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a £30million deal with Leicester City for Bilal El Khannouss, causing dominoes to fall elsewhere.

talkSPORT earlier reported that Palace and Tottenham were closing in on a £60m deal for Eberechi Eze, one that has been made smoother by the Eagles already lining up his replacement.

Palace have a verbal agreement with Leicester City over a £32m deal for playmaker El Khannouss, with the south London side wanting a replacement lined up before letting Eze leave.

The Eagles are now deciding whether to proceed or bid for Southampton's teenage sensation Tyler Dibling, who was subject to a £45m bid from Everton earlier this summer.

Christos Tzolis is another leading option, but Club Brugge prefer not to sell.

El Khannouss only joined the Foxes last summer for £20m from Genk, but his performances drew interest from numerous Premier League sides and German Champions League outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

Much like Eze, the Belgian-born Morocco international had a release clause in his contract, but again in similar circumstances to the Palace star, it’s also expired.

El Khannouss had a £22.5m relegation clause written into his deal, but even with the Foxes falling down to the championship, that has now expired, allowing them to agree a higher figure with Palace.

Conversely, Eze had a £68m release clause in his deal at Selhurst Park, but it expired on August 15.

Such a figure would have put the 11-time England international clear as Spurs’ all-time record signing, but a £60m deal ties him with what Everton received for Richarlison in 2022.

The next step in Eze's rise

Eze has become a certified star since leaving Queens Park Rangers for Palace in 2020, and had the best season of his career last time out, recording 15 goals and 11 assist, helping Palace to their first major trophy of the FA Cup.

He featured in the Eagles’ Premier League opener against Chelsea at the weekend, finding the net with a superb free-kick, but it was cancelled out and the match ended 0-0.

The 27-year-old then appeared to say a goodbye of sorts to the travelling fans at Stamford Bridge, only for Palace manager Oliver Glasner to state that he expected him to play in Thursday’s Conference League opener.

"Eb should have scored a goal today, he had one and it was disallowed,” the Austrian coach said.

"He will come tomorrow to the Crystal Palace training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad."

El Khannouss ready to star again in the Premier League

El Khannouss has similarly played his part in Leicester’s start to the season, showing his playmaking abilities with two assists already in three games.

Last season in the top flight he recorded three goals and five assists overall and was a rare bright spark in an otherwise miserable season for the 2016 champions.

Palace have had an otherwise quiet summer, just bringing in left back Borna Sosa from Ajax for £3m.

They’ve also so far managed to hold onto captain Marc Guehi amid interest from Liverpool, with chairman Steve Parish previously suggesting a sale was necessary to avoid the centre back leaving for free next summer.

On Spurs’ part, the Europa League champions have been anything but quiet this summer, starting by trading their trophy winning manager Ange Postecoglou for former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

With that European win booking a return to the Champions League, Frank has been backed heavily in the window, spending over £125m.

Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham for £55m, while deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent, totalling £50m.

Veiga-rreal

Renato Veiga could be heading out of Chelsea having reportedly agreed personal terms with Villarreal.

The defender joined the Blues from FC Basel last summer but joined Juventus on loan in January.

Veiga is one of eight players that talkSPORT reported could leave the club by the end of the summer.

And BBC Sport have reported that he is ready to join Villarreal having reached an agreement on personal terms.

However, Chelsea value Veiga at around £34million and the Spanish side are keen sign him for less than £30m.

Negotiations between the two clubs look set to continue.

Selhurst stay

talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes Marc Guehi is likely to stay at Crystal Palace if Eberechi Eze leaves.

The defender, who appeared to blank boss Oliver Glasner on Sunday, has been heavily linked with a south London exit this summer.

Premier League champions Liverpool have shown interest in the centre-back.

However, talkSPORT understands Guehi is content on seeing out the last 12 months of his contract at the FA Cup winners.

And with Tottenham close to reaching an agreement for Eze, Crook believes that Guehi is set to remain at Palace beyond the summer.

Speaking on Breakfast, he said: "I was told a few weeks ago that they would only let one go this summer.

"I think, ideally, it would have been Guehi, because obviously he's out of contract at the end of the season.

"And there's a very big risk he leaves on a free transfer because I certainly don't seem him putting pen to paper on a new deal.

"But I think if Eze goes, that would just strengthen their resolve to get top dollar for Guehi.

"We know Liverpool have held talks but last I heard, the two clubs were some way away in terms of a valuation. Newcastle, who tried to sign him a year ago, have gone down a different route.

"So I don't think there's loads of options for Guehi, Liverpool will keep trying to get this deal done.

"But at the moment, I would probably err on the side of him being more likely to stay than follow Eze out the door."

Huge move

Tottenham are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze, talkSPORT understands.

talkSPORT reported that Spurs were confident of reaching an agreement with their Premier League rivals during the week.

They are set to pay a total package of around £60million for the Palace star, who scored the winning goal in last season's FA Cup final.

Eze was doubtful to play for the Eagles in their Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday.

However, he started and had a goal disallowed, before appearing to say goodbye to Palace fans in the away end at Stamford Bridge.

Eze has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, but wants to leave Palace in the right manner.

Agreeing a fee for Eze is the only part of the transfer that's left to be finalised.

Palace must also line up a replacement, with Eze set to train and play as normal until the club are confident of signing another attacking midfielder.

'Don't think it's sensible'

Simon Jordan does not agree with Leeds United fans and their boos for Jack Harrison against Everton.

The winger was a second half substitute in the 1-0 win against the Toffees, where he spent the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons on loan.

Harrison departed Leeds after their relegation to the Championship, and fans made their feelings clear at Elland Road upon his return.

talkSPORT's Jordan spoke against them booing their own player, but appeared to understand why some chose to do so.

"The Leeds fans obviously felt that he left Leeds in their hour of need, which is when they wanted to get back to the Premier League, to go to an opportunity in the Premier League.

"Now the opportunity is now no longer at Everton, he comes back to Leeds and they don't forget.

"Now, I don't think it's rational and I don't think it's sensible to boo someone that's now going to help you achieve your biggest outcome.

"Which is staying in the Premier League and being successful again as Leeds United.

"But you cannot ask football fans to sit there and be emotionally stunted or rational in their thinking when the game, in and of itself, is predicated on irrationality."

One step closer

Rangers are just two matches away from reaching the main draw of this season's Champions League.

The Scottish giants host Club Brugge at Ibrox in their play-off round first leg tonight.

Victory will give them a much-needed boost for the second leg on August 27 as they eye a return to the competition.

Rangers last played in the Champions League in the 2022/23 season, when they were knocked out at the group stage.

Their Scottish rivals Celtic are also competing in the play-off round and face Kazakh side FC Kairat in their first leg on Wednesday night.

Ferencvaros, Bodo/Glimt and Fenerbahce are among the other sides hoping to qualify.

The league phase draw will take place on August 28.

Historic

Morecambe have made the historic appointment of Ashvir Singh Johal as their new manager.

He has become the first Sikh to manage a professional British club, and will be the youngest manager in England's top five leagues.

"The immediate priority right now is going to be to identify the players that we need in this building to ensure Morecambe Football Club can perform well in the National League," he said.

Singh Johal was previously on the coaching staff at Wigan Athletic and worked with Cesc Fabregas at Como.

'Incorrect'

Everton boss David Moyes expressed his frustration with the decision to award a penalty to Leeds United in their Monday night clash.

James Tarkowski was penalised for handball late on in the second half at Elland Road.

The centre-back had his arm by his side and leaned into the path of a shot from Anton Stach

Referee Chris Kavanagh took a few moments to make his decision and controversially awarded a penalty, which Lukas Nmecha scored.

Moyes spoke to talkSPORT after the match and explained why he was confused with the call.

"I thought it was incorrect, I thought James' arm was as close to his body as he could have it," he said. "If the arm was in a different position, I could understand the penalty kick being given.

"I don't really see how that was given, I don't think it was the on-field referee, I think it was VAR and I think that was wrong.

"I spoke to him [Kavanagh] in the dressing room after and he said it wasn't his decision.

"I don't know if he was saying it was the linesman or VAR but it was one of the other gentlemen in the room. I think it was the linesman, but I'd be amazed if a linesman gave it from where he was."

Moyes added: "He didn't know the ball had taken a deflection as well when it was shot.

"They said he leaned, but please get into the rules, because I've been hearing a lot this weekend and I don't think there's anything saying you're not allowed to lean as a football player.

"I think he was leaning but I don't think he was getting his arm out to block it so I don't see how it's given."

'Did you hear that?'

Gary Neville was caught out live on Sky Sports ahead of kick-off in Leeds vs Everton at Elland Road...

The ex-Man United defender could be heard speaking about the fans without realising the ad break had finished.

As the coverage cut back to Neville, Jamie Carragher and host David Jones in the studio, he embarrassed himself.

Footage of the Leeds fans was being shown and Neville said: "They are the one group of fans I wouldn't want to go anywhere near."

The trio then instantly burst out in laughter as they realised that the words were broadcast live on TV.

Neville then added whilst chuckling: "Did you hear that?"

He did quickly stand by his comment and more laughter filled the studio in a very funny pre-match moment.

And to be fair to Neville, the Leeds fans are sure to not want a Man United legend anywhere near them either!

Going nowhere

Pep Guardiola has closed the door on Savinho leaving Manchester City, talkSPORT understands.

Tottenham wanted to sign Savinho in a potential club record deal but Guardiola does not want to lose him.

It means the Brazilian will be staying at the Etihad this season.

He only arrived at the club last summer, going on to make 29 Premier League appeareances and another nine in the Champions League.

The winger also provided 10 assists in all competitions.

Spurs may now move onto other wide targets, while they also close in on signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Kick-off!

The action is underway at Elland Road!

There's an incredible atmosphere being created by the Leeds support and that's surely got to buoy there side on.

Everton will have to contend with that and it means David Moyes' men are set for a tough battle tonight.

You can listen to coverage of the action live on talkSPORT.

Commentary is coming from Sam Matterface, former Watford striker Troy Deeney and ex-Leeds and Everton winger Aaron Lennon.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Tottenham are confident of reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze this week, talkSPORT understands.

Negotiations are being led by Spurs chair Daniel Levy and he is speaking directly to his counterpart Steve Parish. Talks are expected to accelerate in the next 48 hours.

Spurs are prepared to pay a package of around £60m and are hoping to reach an agreement in principle before Palace take on Norgeian side Fredrikstad in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.

Palace boss Olivier Glasner said after Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Chelsea that he expects Eze to feature in that game, but Tottenham’s aim is to strike a deal before it. Eze would not be cup tied for the Champions League if he does play.

Eze’s £68m release clause has already expired, but it does not change much with Spurs always intent on bidding below it.

Eze has already informed Palace of his desire to leave, but does not want to sit out games while still a Palace player.

An agreement was almost in place on Saturday night leading to suggestions from sources that Eze might be omitted from the matchday squad, but it was not deemed close or certain enough to stop the England attacker playing at Stamford Bridge.

Palace made the call to start Eze less than 24 hours before the game.

The 27-year-old had a free-kick chalked off by VAR in the goalless draw and at the end of the match stood in front of the Palace fans and showed his appreciation.

It appeared as though it could have been a goodbye, but that was dismissed by Glasner.

Eze has already agreed terms with Spurs, while Palace are actively sourcing replacements.

The Eagles have made an approach to sign Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss with the Foxes seeking around £30m.

The Moroccan international’s own £22m relegation release clause has already expired. Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis is as another option.

What did Oliver Glasner say?

Glasner said he expects Eze to still be a Palace player and was planning for him to play on Thursday in the Conference League.

After the draw with Chelsea he addressed the future of Eze and Marc Guehi.

He said: "There are a lot of rumours about Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, but they were 100 per cent with this group... and they have proved that in a big way."

On the future of Eze, Glasner added: "He will come tomorrow to the Crystal Palace training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad."

Glasner also addressed the moment where Eze seemingly said a farewell to the Eagles fans after the game.

Asked if Eze turning and applauding the away fans could be a goodbye to the club, he told talkSPORT's Alfie Reynolds: "No."

As for whether he will be a Palace player beyond the end of the transfer window, Glasner added: "I don't know, but I think it was not a goodbye wave."

Eberechi Eze may have played his last Crystal Palace game as he appeared to say an emotional goodbye to fans on Sunday.

Eze's inclusion in the Palace XI to face Chelsea came as somewhat of a surprise given the speculation around his future.

talkSPORT understands the 27-year-old is closing in on a move to London rivals Tottenham.

Arsenal had also shown interest in the England man, but Spurs have stolen a march and look set to secure his signature.

No fee has yet been agreed with Palace looking for in excess of £60m.

Eze had a release clause of £68m that expired this week.

He has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, who are looking to pay closer to £60m.

Eze has also informed some England teammates he expects the move to Spurs to happen.

However, Palace boss Oliver Glasner named him in the starting line-up to face Chelsea on Sunday.

Eze saw a brilliant free-kick disallowed by VAR in the first half as the match ended 0-0.

The forward was substituted in the 84th minute and applauded the Palace fans inside Stamford Bridge.

He also stayed out on the pitch after all his teammates had gone and put his hands together, thanking the supporters.

Although Palace boss Oliver Glasner hinted it was not quite a forgone conclusion before kick-off.

He said: "Good advice to all the children watching: don't believe everything you read in the newspapers."

Also included in the starting XI was Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, who have also been the subject of transfer speculation.

Liverpool have shown interest in Guehi, but have been put off by his £40m valuation.

The defender is content to see out the final year of his contract if a move does not materialise this summer.

talkSPORT also understands that Manchester United are weighing up whether to bid for 21-year-old Wharton.

The Red Devils were interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but have been told he is not for sale.

The Seagulls are likely to demand a Premier League record fee for the midfielder.

This means they could test Palace's resolve with a bid for Wharton.

Having opened the new Premier League season for Tottenham with two excellent goals, Richarlison will outscore Viktor Gyokeres.

That's the view of former Spurs star Jamie O'Hara after the forward shone in their 3-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Richarlison first netted a half-volley into the bottom corner before scoring with a stunning acrobatic kick in north London.

He has already halved his Premier League tally from last season, and O'Hara believes there's plenty more to come from the Brazilian.

So much so that he believes Richarlison is set to have more success in front of goal this season than the new Arsenal star Gyokeres.

The Swedish striker scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting Lisbon before completing his £63.7million move to the Gunners.

"Richarlison, oh wow, he was like [Erling] Haaland out there today!" O'Hara said on talkSPORT's GameDay Phone-In.

"Here's one for you, I'm going to put it out there early doors. I think Richarlison scores more goals than Gyokeres this season," he added.

O'Hara's co-host Jason Cundy was taken aback, and replied: "Wow, you've gone there. You've done it, you've said it."

Mohammed Kudus, who signed for Spurs from West Ham in a £55m move, assisted both of the goals for Richarlison against Burnley.

And Cundy believes they could emulate the partnership Heung-min Son and Harry Kane shared as they combined for 58 goals at Spurs.

"Him and Kudus, if those two can have a relationship... I'm not putting them on levels of Son and Kane yet," Cundy said.

"But, if that can develop and that relationship can grow, I think Spurs fans can be excited."

O'Hara further lauded Richarlison's start to the season when he said: "He's an international football player, he's played for Brazil, so he's no mug. But he has been poor in a Spurs shirt, and he's not delivered.

"But the last couple of games, PSG [in the Super Cup], I thought he did well in a tough game, today I thought he was absolutely fantastic.

"He's going to keep [Dominic] Solanke out the team for now, but he's got to do it week in, week out, that's the biggest thing, you've got to do it all the time."

"I think Richarlison is going to do business this year," he added.

"What I've seen, he looks hungry, he looks fit, he looks like he's got a point to prove."

Thomas Frank on 'standout' Richarlison

Spurs boss Thomas Frank enjoyed an excellent Premier League debut for the club just three days after their heartbreak against PSG.

Richarlison was key to their response on the pitch, and the Dane was on hand to name him as one of the best performers.

"The performance today I think was good, not perfect, but good," he said after full-time.

"I loved the clean sheet, I loved the three goals, I loved the mentality of the players.

"I loved Richarlison's performance, a lot of others I could mention, and Kudus of course, those two were probably the standouts.

"Especially Richarlison, his work ethic, his willingness to be there for the team, and two great finishes."

Tottenham are closing in on a deal for Eberechi Eze, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs and Crystal Palace are negotiating a fee after Eze's £68m release clause expired.

The England international has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, who are looking to pay closer to £60m.

Eze has also informed some England teammates he expects the move to Spurs to happen.

The 27-year-old is not expected to play for Palace against Chelsea tomorrow.

Spurs view the England attacker as a No.10 and their pursuit is separate to the club’s interest in Manchester City winger Savinho as a result.

A key factor in Tottenham's pursuit proving successful thus far is that Eze wants to both play Champions League football and ideally stay in London.

Thomas Frank provides update on Eze

Speaking after his side's 3-0 win over Burnley in their season opener, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was coy as to whether a deal for any new signing was close.

"We are in the market," Frank said.

"Daniel (Levy), Johan (Lange) and Vinai (Venkatesham) are working very hard.

"If we can, we'd like to improve the squad.

"But we only want players we think that can improve us."

Arsenal had also been in the race for Eze, but the desire to give Ethan Nwaneri minutes at No.10 this season led to some hesitation within the club as to whether to add another central attacker.

As for Palace, the potential loss of Eze will come as a major blow given his importance to the squad.

The Eagles are also understood to have decided at the start of the summer they wanted to keep at least one of Eze or Marc Guehi.

It now appears it is the defender who will remain at Selhurst Park.

The potential addition of Eze is undoubtedly a huge coup for Tottenham and Frank given they lost James Maddison for the majority of the season to an ACL injury.

They also swung and missed on a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs triggered the player's release clause only to see Nottingham Forest block the move and then get Gibbs-White to sign a new deal.

Darren Ambrose's verdict on Eze to Spurs

But they quickly changed course to Eze and it is a transfer Crystal Palace hero and Tottenham fan Darren Ambrose is excited to see unfold.

Speaking on talkSPORT's Inside Spurs, Ambrose said: "I want Eze as a Spurs player, I really do. I don't want him as an Arsenal player, none of us do.

"And if there's anywhere I would like him to leave Palace, if he ever was to leave, it would only be to Spurs.

"He clearly has ambition, he clearly wants to play Champions League football."

Ambrose added: "He is a Champions League quality player. For me, he should be starting for England.

The affiliation I have for Palace is second to none, I love the club. But is he going to be starting for England at the end of this season with a season at Palace in the Conference League and finishing 10th, 12th? I don't think he will.

"If he comes to Spurs and pushes Spurs up the table, they're going well in the Champions League and he's the main player, he has the opportunity to be starting for England and I think that's in his thoughts as well."

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Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has made history, but for all the wrong reasons.

In Burnley's Premier League opener away to Tottenham, the Slovakian became the first gloveman in the Premier League to fall victim to the new rules which stipulate goalkeepers must distribute the ball after eight seconds.

It was brought in to replace the six-second rule, where the punishment was an indirect free-kick.

However, the six-second rule had been deemed as too harsh and was rarely been enforced by officials.

Starting between the sticks for Burnley, Dubravka had the ball in his hands.

But referee Michael Oliver deemed Dubravka held onto the ball for too long.

Oliver even gave Dubravka a five-second countdown as a warning, beginning from when the Burnley man had the ball in his hands for three seconds.

As a result and per the new rules, Tottenham were subsequently awarded a corner in the fourth minute.

Luckily for Dubravka, nothing eventuated from it.

But there was little he could do to stop Richarlison from opening the scoring just six minutes later.

The Brazilian was on hand to steer home a cross whipped in from the right by debutant Mohammed Kudus.

What are the other new rules introduced?

Aside from the new eight-second distribution rule for goalkeepers, a number of other new laws have been introduced for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

One of which is that team captains are the only players allowed to approach match officials during games to discuss decisions.

Should an unauthorised player talk to the referee, it may result in a yellow card.

However, if the captain is a goalkeeper, a designated outfield player will be able to speak with the referee on a protesting player's behalf.

This is to avoid goalkeepers running up the field to speak with the referee and subsequently returning to their box, which delays the game.

Another new rule introduced relates to double-touch penalties.

If a kicker inadvertently touches the ball twice but scores, the penalty must be re-taken.

However, deliberate double-touching will lead to the defending team receiving an indirect free kick.

This represents a change from the previous rule, which stipulated that if a player touched the ball twice, the goal was immediately chalked off regardless of perceived intent.