DONE DEAL: Tottenham ‘closes in on Eberechi Eze agreement’ after new talks
Tottenham are closing in on an agreement to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze after a fresh round of talks, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Sunderland and remains very well-connected within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that the sides remain apart in their valuations but are edging towards a compromise.
Palace had originally been holding out for the 27-year-old’s £68million release clause to be paid, but they are prepared to accept less following its expiry.
Football Insider revealed on 15 August that Tottenham are leading the race to sign Eze despite ongoing interest from North London rivals Arsenal.
Since then, Spurs have been locked in talks with Oliver Glasner’s side and are growing increasingly optimistic that a deal can be reached that works for all parties.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that Palace are preparing to lose Eze and have already identified his replacement in Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
Tottenham pushing to sign Eberechi Eze after agent talks
Brown told Football Insider in May that Tottenham have held talks with Eze’s agent about the possibility of a move as he remains among their top targets.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Eagles are prepared to reluctantly accept offers, but it will still have to be on their terms.
“My view has always been that his best bet would be staying at Palace,” he told Football Insider.
“I think that’s what Palace had hoped for as well at the start of the window, because he’s such an important player in that team.
“But it’s been mentioned recently that they need to sell to put the funds back into the team.
“That’s a difficult situation for them, but if they can get good money for Eze, it appears they’ll reluctantly be prepared to do a deal.
“They’ve loosened up on the original asking price which has opened the door for Tottenham.
“From what I’m told, they’ve been in talks with Palace and they’re hopeful that they can reach an agreement that works for everybody.
“One thing’s for certain, it will have to be a deal that works for Palace first and foremost.
“They won’t want to let their best player, or one of their best players, go on a cut-price deal.
“But if they’re going to be open for offers, I think progress will be made towards a compromise, although I don’t believe they’ve reached one quite yet.
“I don’t necessarily think it’s the best move for him, but it’s the one that seems to be close to happening.”
Spurs pushing to agree ‘fantastic’ Savinho signing
Alongside their pursuit of Eze, Spurs also remain hopeful about completing a deal for Man City winger Savinho before the transfer deadline.
This comes after former Brown told Football Insider that Savinho wants to join Tottenham and is hopeful of being allowed to leave Man City.
The winger has had limited opportunities during his season at the Etihad and is keen to make a move to a club where he would play more regular football.
Meanwhile, former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 16 August that Tottenham are closing in on Savinho, who would be a “fantastic” addition.
Leave a Reply