Tottenham challenge Crystal Palace in pursuit of Moroccan midfielder Bilal El Khannouss

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss, creating a potential twist in a transfer saga that had appeared close to seeing the Leicester City midfielder join Crystal Palace.

Sources close to the player have revealed that Tottenham, driven by club chairman Daniel Levy, have reignited interest in the highly rated 20-year-old.

Palace were thought to be on the verge of securing a deal after agreeing personal terms with El Khannouss, but discussions with Leicester over a proposed €35m transfer fee reportedly stalled over payment structures.

The situation has shifted dramatically in the final days of the transfer window, with Tottenham seeking reinforcements after their failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze and the injury to James Maddison.

El Khannouss, who has continued to impress despite Leicester’s relegation to the Championship, is now firmly on Spurs’ radar.

Palace’s sporting project had previously appealed to the midfielder, who was ready to commit to the London side. However,

Tottenham’s entry into negotiations could prompt a reassessment of his options, with the north London club aiming to outbid their rivals and offer him a more ambitious platform.

The midfielder’s performances in recent seasons have drawn widespread admiration, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.

His technical quality and versatility have made him a key figure at both club and international level, and his availability has sparked competition among several top-flight sides.

Former Belgian international Nordin Jbari recently praised El Khannouss’ potential, suggesting Bayer Leverkusen would have been an ideal destination, but it is England where the youngster’s immediate future is likely to be decided.

Tottenham’s intervention has intensified the battle for his signature, with both Premier League clubs hoping to finalise a deal before the transfer window closes.

Whether Spurs can convince El Khannouss to abandon his verbal commitment to Palace remains to be seen, but their interest has transformed what seemed a straightforward move into one of the window’s most compelling stories.