Tottenham and Crystal Palace blow in pursuit of 'brilliant' £50m Premier League star

Burnley have agreed a new contract with a defender who had been linked with Premier League rivals.
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Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have had any pursuit of Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve this summer made significantly more difficult with news that the player has signed a contract extension at Turf Moor.
The 23-year-old made 46 appearances for the Clarets last season as Scott Parker’s men lost just two league matches and conceded just 16 goals. Esteve has never played in the Premier League and is set to be a key member of the Burnley squad next season.
Having turned heads in the second tier, the defender had been linked with a move to clubs that could offer him European football. Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace were frequently linked with the Burnley Express namechecking those teams as suitors when reporting on the new deal.
Spurs and Crystal Palace linked with Frenchman
Spurs have already made the loan of Kevin Danso permanent but, with question marks over the future of Cristian Romero, remain in the market for a centre-back. Thomas Frank also has teenager Luka Vuskovic as an option with the youngster impressing so far in pre-season.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are still expected to have to fight to hold onto Marc Guehi, whose deal expires next season. Should the England international depart, the Eagles will have a hole that needs filling at the heart of defence.
However, it now appears impossible that Esteve will be that man. The Frenchman has put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with the club despite having already signed an extension in September 2024.
The defender said: “I’m very happy to sign another deal, to me this Club is so special. When I came here, straight away I thought it was special, my family felt it too. It’s the best decision to stay at Burnley, for my progression and to play in the Premier League. This Club - with the Gaffer, with my teammates - is the best place to be. I’m proud to sign a new deal.”
Maxime Esteve signs new Burnley contract
Football Insider had reported that Burnley were willing to listen to offers around the £50 million mark for Esteve, who cost the club £12.5 million. Speaking about the defender last season, Burnley boss Scott Parker said: “I’ve been really impressed with Maxi.
“First and foremost he’s a great kid and an unbelievable professional. Just his general aura about him and his humility about the boy and his professionalism, just everything about him is a top, top boy and of course you see his quality as well.
“Again he probably fits into that bracket of having a lot of work needing to be done, there’s loads of improving and fine-turning, but he’s someone that is humble and willing to improve. For sure we’ve got an exceptional player in Maxi and we’re going to work tirelessly with him to keep nudging him along. But he’s been brilliant for us since I’ve been here.”
In other news, Club 'optimistic' about signing 'exciting' Tottenham player after Thomas Frank vow.