Tottenham step up £60m move as Crystal Palace chairmen hold talks over Eberechi Eze deal

Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace chairmen Daniel Levy and Steve Parish are in direct communication over a potential £60 million transfer for winger Eberechi Eze, with Spurs determined to land him before the close of the summer window.

Eze, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, has long been on Tottenham’s radar and is considered a key target for manager Thomas Frank as he looks to add creativity and attacking spark to his squad.

The 27-year-old has two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, but Palace are bracing themselves for serious negotiations after Spurs made their interest official.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have tabled an offer worth £55m plus £5m in add-ons, with the two clubs’ chairmen now working on possible terms.

Eze’s £68m release clause expired on Friday, giving Palace greater leverage in talks, though it is increasingly understood that they will struggle to keep him if Tottenham maintain their push.

Romano also reported that Eze has already informed Palace of his desire to join Tottenham, though manager Oliver Glasner insisted the forward remains part of his plans.

“Eb should have scored a goal today, he had one and it was disallowed,” Glasner said. “He will come tomorrow to the training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad.”

Eze featured in Palace’s Premier League opener against Chelsea, where he had a superb free-kick controversially ruled out by VAR.

His ability to unlock defences and produce moments of brilliance makes him one of the most sought-after players in the league, and Spurs are keen to finalise a deal swiftly as Frank looks to build his team around him.