Daily Mail

Crystal Palace's superstar duo of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi may have said their goodbyes after the Eagles' 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.

Eze has been the subject of strong transfer speculation surrounding a move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while Guehi has been linked to Premier League champions Liverpool.

The England internationals have been pivotal to Palace's success under Oliver Glasner in the past year, with both playing their hand in the club's FA Cup success last season and triumph in the FA Community Shield earlier this month.

However, after Palace's stalemate at Stamford Bridge, many have suggested that the pair have made their swansong for the south London club.

Eze appeared to shed tears while sitting on the bench after being withdrawn in the 84th minute. After full-time, he looked emotional as he lapped up the support from Palace's away fans.

However, Guehi's speculated farewell appeared to be more hostile.

The centre back seemingly ignored his manager as Glasner called him over after the whistle. Instead, Guehi marched straight towards the tunnel, leaving Glasner visibly confused.

Afterwards, Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta also appeared perplexed, and looked to question Glasner about what happened, while turning his head Guehi's way.

Speaking after the game, Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards said of the frosty interaction: 'Yeah, I don't know if the manager asked him if he's all right.

'Maybe he's got a little knock or something, but it was the reaction after when he went to Mateta, and then Mateta was like, "Is something wrong?"

'Now we don't want to speculate, but Mark Guehi is ultra professional, so...'

Daniel Sturridge also weighed in. He said: 'I don't know. I don't know if it's performative. I don't know. Obviously, the cameras are there.

'Is it a: "Oh yeah, I'm going to put my arm around you", and that could have been what it was.

'Guehi, he's made a decision to go down the tunnel. They'll have a chat when he gets to the dressing room. And I'm sure over the course of the next few days, we might find out what exactly happened.'

Regarding Eze's emotional scenes, Sturridge said: 'He's on his own thanking them. It looks that way. I think the Palace fans love the player and admire everything he's done for the football club.

'For him, if this is the end, he's been a fantastic servant for the team. I don't know his routine, and that might be his routine that he goes and claps the fans after the game, but he looked emotional. He looked emotional.'

Roy Keane, meanwhile, looked onwards and upwards and welcomed the prospect of a big-money move for Eze.

The veteran pundit added: 'Palace must realise where they are on the food chain. I think it's a good sign.

'The bigger clubs are coming for your players, and you're getting £50, 60, 70million. That's what's going to happen. That's credit to the players in the club.

'You know the bigger clubs are going to come looking for you. I think it's just part of the food chain, I'm afraid.'

Crystal Palace fans chanted ‘it’s not football anymore’ after Eberechi Eze was denied what could have been his last-ever goal for the club when a niche law saw his ferocious free-kick disallowed.

With Tottenham Hotspur pushing to sign the 27-year-old – so hard that he was in and out of Palace's travelling squad over the weekend – Eze looked like he had shown why he is worth his £55million valuation.

It was a scorching strike and one which bamboozled Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but it was then that Law 13 was taken into account by the referee, Darren England, after a VAR alert.

Marc Guehi was judged to have been standing within a metre of Chelsea’s defending wall.

Technically, it was the correct call as per the rulebook. However, this was hardly a law that has been consistently enforced ever since its introduction in the Premier League in 2019.

Already disillusioned after being demoted to the Conference League from the Europa League by UEFA, this did little to dissuade Palace supporters from thinking the game is against them.

They were quick to find footage showing how Reece James’ free-kick against Bournemouth at this very stadium last season should likewise have been disallowed because of Law 13. Marc Cucurella was practically touching the Cherries wall while stood next to Tosin Adarabioyo.

As Palace defender Chris Richards said afterwards: ‘Everyone in the stadium thought it was a goal but you live and die by VAR and we died from it.’

Manager Oliver Glasner added on Eze: ‘Eberechi should have scored a goal. He had one and it was disallowed. He will come to the Crystal Palace training ground on Monday, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad (in the Conference League play-off first leg on Thursday).’

Because of the decision, Eze missed out on his potential fond farewell, though did show in his overall performance why Arsenal could regret cooling their interest in him if Spurs make him their next £55m signing.

When substituted in the 84th minute, Eze took a moment to turn to the away end as he walked towards the touchline. The supporters showed their appreciation for a player who was signed for £19.5m from Queens Park Rangers in 2020.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all targeting a move for Brentford captain Nathan Collins.

Daily Mail Sport understands that interest in the 24-year-old centre-half is surging – although the Bees may well be highly reluctant to sell.

Irishman Collins was given the captain’s armband earlier this month and promptly celebrated by scoring the only goal of the game in a friendly victory against neighbours QPR.

New manager and compatriot Keith Andrews spoke glowingly of the former Stoke City and Burnley defender, describing him as ‘a natural leader’. And, following a summer which saw two key players depart, Brentford have no need to cash in on a player who joined for a club record £23m from Wolves on a six-year deal in 2023.

However, United and Spurs have now joined Liverpool in tracking Collins, who succeeded the departing Christian Norgaard as skipper.

United are keen on adding another defender and have already raided the Bees for £65m Bryan Mbeumo. However, any further business at Old Trafford is only likely to arrive should existing squad members depart.

Spurs are also seeking defensive reinforcements. New manager Thomas Frank, who arrived from Brentford this summer, is an admirer of Collins but may well be reluctant to act given the level of respect for his former employers.

Liverpool’s need to strengthen at the back was underlined by Friday night’s nervy 4-2 opening day victory over Bournemouth at Anfield.

Collins became Stoke’s youngest captain at the age of 18 and has played 30 times for the Republic of Ireland. He has been in the starting XI for this afternoon’s opening fixture at Nottingham Forest.

Collins has been earmarked to play a key role for Andrews, who has been able to bring in reinforcements following the losses of Mbeumo and Norgaard, who joined Arsenal for £15m.

Eberechi Eze is now expected to play for Crystal Palace against Chelsea today.

Palace had discussed leaving him out but with no agreement with Tottenham, he is ready to start.

Palace are still working on finding replacements with Bruges midfielder Christos Tzolis and El Bilal Khannouss of Leicester City among the targets they are discussing.

Tottenham are expected to offer around £55million for Eze plus bonuses after his clause of £60m plus £8m lapsed last week.

The attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the most wanted targets in the transfer market this summer after his sparkling performances over recent seasons for the Eagles.

Arsenal were touted with an interest, but Spurs have now emerged as front runners.

Eze played a starring role in Palace's FA Cup triumph last season, scoring the decisive goal at Wembley - and ended the campaign with 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

Since joining from QPR in 2020, Eze has made 167 appearances, scoring 39 goals.

Alongside Eze, Palace are also at risk of losing captain Marc Guehi with the centre back strongly linked with Liverpool.

Meanwhile, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is also being monitored by a number of clubs.

Thomas Frank's interest in Eze ignited after James Maddison suffered an ACL injury during Spurs' pre-season tour, with the Palace midfielder identified as their No 1 target to fill the creative void.

Eze was believed to have had a release clause in his contract worth £68m, which expired earlier this month.

Having already brought in Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham United earlier this summer, Spurs are on a mission to bolster their front line before the end of the window.

As well as their interest in the Eagles' star man, Daniel Levy is also working on a deal to bring Manchester City winger Savinho to the club.

The Brazilian winger's agents flew into London earlier this week to begin talks, as exclusively revealed by Mail Sport.

With next year's World Cup well and truly on the horizon, it's thought Savinho is keen on a move to Spurs in order to secure regular playing time. City are thought to be demanding £67m for his signature.

When asked about a possible exit for the winger, Guardiola was rather coy in Friday's press conference.

'I don't know, if Tottenham or any other club wants a player, they should the call the club,' the manager said.

'My only concern today is that Savinho will be with us until the rest of the season and hopefully for many many years because with at only 21 years old, with the potential he has to play a lot of minutes.

'He needs to improve in the final positions but he's an extraordinary player.

'In the end, the desires of the players prevail above everything.'

The chance for the hat-trick vanished but the stadium rose in a roar to acclaim Richarlison as Thomas Frank called an end to his shift with the game won, and his delicate fitness record in mind.

There were 72 minutes on the clock, Tottenham led 3-0 and the Brazilian had scored two of them.

His first was the confident finish of a centre forward with his eye in. Swept in as it skipped up from the turf at pace. His second was simply sensational. A leap, a twist in midair and scissor kick.

It flew past Martin Dubravka in the Burnley goal and drew gasps of admiration from the crowd which became a little louder each time it was replayed on the big screens.

Both goals came from wonderful crosses by Mohammed Kudus, the big-money summer signing who sparkled on the right wing, and there was plenty more for Frank to savour about his first Premier League game as Spurs boss.

Three points and a clean sheet. Teenagers Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray back in the team and looking in fine shape. Last season's top scorer Brennan Johnson back in the goals and Pape Matar Sarr continuing to shine as the dynamo at the heart of the team.

But this victory belonged to Richarlison, a big-money signing from another summer who has never quite lived up to the billing in three years at the club.

It is not entirely his own fault. There have been a maddening series of injuries and the mental strain of this combined with the off-field problems relating to business relationships in his native Brazil.

'Exceptional,' was the summary of boss Frank, who put a consoling arm around his two-goal hero after replacing him with Dominic Solanke. 'I just said to him, very well done, I liked his performance and his work rate and we're looking after him.'

Perhaps this is Richarlison's time. At 28, he has a fresh start under a head coach who might have the understanding to coax him through difficult times. And one who will truly relish his physical qualities and aerial presence.

Burnley coped well with Tottenham's set plays, although Frank's selection was not as physically imposing as it was in the Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain. Up front, though Richarlison dominated against their three strong centre halves.

Besides the goals, he held up the ball to great effect, helping Spurs up the pitch and linking passes with his back to goal. Johnson's strike, Tottenham's third was a perfect example.

Richarlison battled to protect possession, resisting the challenge from behind, refusing to collapse in search of a free kick, and nursed a pass into the path of Sarr, on the move as always, charging forward before releasing Johnson, last season's top scorer, to get off the mark again.

This has not always been Richarlison's strength. Yes, he has spectacular goals in his locker. This scissor-kick volley, 'world-class' according to Burnley boss Scott Parker, revived memories of one he scored on the spin for Brazil against Serbia in the World Cup finals in Qatar in 2022.

Equally, there are times when he can be untidy. When his control is flawed, and he can be hard on himself when form and fitness waver. Confidence can drain away quickly but fans here and at his previous club Everton, where he remains popular, have never doubted his endeavour and desire to succeed.

When it all comes together, he has the air of a complete centre forward. If only it came together more often.

Spurs were keen to cash in on him last summer. There was interest from Saudi Arabia and they wanted the cash to rebuild but Richarlison stuck to his guns. He did not want to leave. It was the same story this summer. He is determined to prove his worth at a Big Six club and leaving Tottenham would be the end of that ambition.

He finished last season well, with a key role off the left in the Europa League triumph, and yet there would have been few tears shed among fans had he been sold and the money reinvested.

Spurs were linked to Yoane Wissa, who is on his way out of Brentford where he excelled under Frank but looks most likely bound for Newcastle.

Richarlison though can fulfil a similar role. He is versatile enough to play in other positions and share the burden with Solanke, who missed most of the pre-season schedule with an ankle injury.

But only if he stays fit. Obvious but true. This has been the problem in the past and Frank has promised to proceed carefully with this in mind.

'The dream scenario is to have two good strikers,' said the Spurs boss. 'Hopefully we are playing 60-plus games this season. If we do that we have done something right. It is only one game.'

Richarlison left fans speechless with a stunning overhead kick on the volley in Tottenham's 3-0 win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Fans are already calling it a 'goal of the season' contender and believe it could be remembered as a 'legendary moment'.

The Brazilian only scored four Premier League goals last season but has already bagged half that after his brace against the Clarets.

Richarlison opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a half-volley but it is his effort on the hour mark which is taking all the plaudits.

Mohammed Kudus knocked the ball past Quilindschy Hartman on the right flank before hanging a cross in the air and Richarlison sent it flying into the corner with his airborne smash from 12 yards out.

'Goal of the season already,' wrote one fan on X.

'Legendary moment,' said another.

'Kudus and Richarlison are going to cook this season,' one predicted.

One fan, clearly harder to impress, doled out more moderate praise: 'Goal of the month'.

Another felt the forward is in for a big year, writing: 'Richarlison about to rediscover himself.'

Brennan Johnson joined Richarlison on the scoresheet to complete the rout as Thomas Frank started Premier League life in the Spurs dugout perfectly.

Tottenham haven't won on the opening day since 2022, when they thrashed Southampton 4-1, and this was an ideal antidote to the pain of losing the UEFA Super Cup final on penalties in midweek to Paris Saint-Germain.

Richarlison battled three prolonged injuries last season, meaning he only made 15 Premier League appearances, and only four of those were starts.

But Spurs fans know what he is capable of after a prolific 2023-24 campaign which saw him score 12 goals in all competitions.

He is now in his fourth season with the north London side and is assuming more responsibility with them.

The 28-year-old started up front in place of Dominic Solanke, who has been a fitness doubt, and will be expected to step up his attacking numbers after captai Son heung-min left for Los Angeles FC.

Eberechi Eze has asked not to be involved in Crystal Palace’s Premier League opener against Chelsea, fuelling speculation that a move to Tottenham could be edging closer.

The England international trained as normal with Oliver Glasner’s squad throughout the week, but he has now indicated he would prefer to sit out Sunday's London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Eze's request comes as Tottenham push hard to bring the 27-year-old to north London before the close of the transfer window.

However, it is understood that Eze is not sitting out Sunday's game because a move to Tottenham is imminent.

Instead, it is believed that the player does not feel he is in the right state of mind to feature for Palace while he seeks a move away.

Spurs have been circling since the news of James Maddison’s ACL injury, with Eze identified as their No 1 target to fill the creative void.

Eze's £68million release clause reportedly expired earlier this month, with Palace now able to charge whatever they choose for their prize asset.

For the Eagles, Eze's absence is a significant blow on the eve of the new campaign.

He played a starring role in Palace's FA Cup triumph last season, scoring the decisive goal at Wembley, and ended the campaign with 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

Not to mention, Palace are also at risk of losing captain Marc Guehi with the centre back being linked with Liverpool.

Meanwhile, striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta is also being monitored by a number of clubs.

Since joining Palace from QPR in 2020, Eze has made 167 appearances, scoring 39 goals and establishing himself as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the division.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Tottenham take on Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League, with Matt Barlow and Joe Bernstein reporting from the ground..

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Savinho has been left out of Manchester City's squad for their first game of the new Premier League season as speculation continues over his future.

City will kick off their campaign against Wolves on Saturday afternoon, with Pep Guardiola's side looking to regain the Premier League title after losing it to Liverpool last campaign.

They have a bloated squad, and Guardiola has expressed the need for his side to offload players before the transfer window closes - though the winger is not one of the players he is looking to lose.

Spurs are keen on signing Savinho, who moved to City from Girona in Spain a year ago and the move appeals to the 21-year-old winger because he wants to star as a Premier League regular rather than a fringe player in the season with a World Cup at the end.

Daily Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Frederico Moraes of ProManager, Savinho's agent, left Brazil on Thursday to fly to Europe with a view to further negotiations next week.

Guardiola, meanwhile, revealed on Friday that the youngster would not be part of the side to take on Wolves at Molineux - but cited an injury as the reason for his exclusion.

After being asked whether Savinho would be travelling with the team for the game, Guardiola took a long pause before replying: 'No. Savinho is injured. Sorry, I didn't remember. He is injured from Palermo, a few weeks he will be out.'

Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to sign both Savinho and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze - it is not a case of one of the other. They have different profiles and would fulfil very different roles in the squad if he managed to secure them both.

He is desperately short of creativity with both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski injured long term and this was evident from open play in the Super Cup, when the two Spurs goals came from set pieces.

City knocked back an enquiry for the Brazil international, revealed earlier in the week, and are thought to only be entertaining offers of more than £50million.

Were City to do business with Spurs, they would turn their attentions to Real Madrid superstar and Savinho’s international team-mate Rodrygo.

Rodrygo has been a constant thorn in City’s side during the titanic Champions League battles of recent seasons and is thought to want a fresh challenge away from the Bernabeu.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak had promised aggression in the transfer market, with City having brought in five new faces either side of the Club World Cup.

Guardiola also left it unclear whether goalkeeper Ederson would be travelling, replying: 'Apparently, yeah.' Some have suggested he was saying he is injured, while others claimed he was saying he has been told he's travelling.

Ederson, also from Brazil, has been linked with a move away following the arrival of James Trafford and City's interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma.

'If they want to leave, they will come to me,' Guardiola said. 'I am working with them because I am here. If they want to leave, they will knock my door.

City still need to let a number of non-homegrown players go to avoid having to omit anybody from their European squad, which limits the number of registered foreign stars.

Tottenham hope their Yves Bissouma problem might be solved by Manu Kone's proposed move from Roma to Inter Milan.

Midfielder Kone is wanted by Inter who are prepared to pay £25million plus add-ons. Roma are holding out for more. They value the France international midfield closer to £45m but talks are open.

New Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is prioritising two new wingers, with Leon Bailey of Aston Villa and Jadon Sancho of Manchester United at the top of the wish list.

Bissouma though could emerge as a viable option to plug the void left by Kone in central midfield and intermediaries have made an approach. Spurs would accept anything close to £20m for a player whose contract expires in less than a year and yet there have been no firm bids.

Although his well-documented disciplinary issues could force the figure down. Thomas Frank axed him from the squad for Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain because he was late once too often.

It was the latest in a series of indiscretions. A year ago, he was left out by Ange Postecoglou after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon.

Frank confirmed on Friday, he was prepared to move on from the matter and that Bissouma was back in the fold and available for Saturday's Premier League opener against Burnley.

'We have dealt with the situation internally,' said the new Spurs boss. 'There was a situation. I addressed it.

'There was a consequence and he will be in the squad. It is dealt with. We move forward to a big game.'

There has been interest in Bissouma from Fenerbahce where Jose Mourinho is looking for an athletic and creative midfielder who would provide an upgrade on Sofyan Amrabat as he looks to chase down champions and arch rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.

Bissouma fits the bill perfectly but the asking price was too high for Fenerbahce earlier in the summer when Spurs were laughing off suggestions they might sell for as little as £10m.

With little more than a fortnight before the transfer market closes again there may be scope for movement to generate more funds for their pursuit of top targets Eberechi Eze and Savinho, both valued by their clubs at £67m.