Liverpool and Man City beaten as Tottenham gain crucial lead for £68million Premier League star

Tottenham have been credited as favorites to sign Eberechi Eze this summer, with one reliable journalist expecting their interest to develop in the coming days, although Liverpool cannot yet be ruled out of signing the Crystal Palace star.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a brilliant season last time out, with his electrifying late-season form enough to secure Eze a place in the England squad over Tottenham star James Maddison. Eze finished the season with 17 goals (11 goals, six assists) from 31 appearances – one every 1.8 games. Compare that to Maddison, who managed 13 (nine goals, four assists) from 30 appearances – one every 2.3 games – and it’s fair to say Gareth Southgate got this call right.

But having already lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich this summer, Palace’s chances of retaining another star man are fading fast, according to the latest reports.

This is because Eze has an attractive release clause in his deal, widely reported to be £60m, although sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that a further £8m would be owed to the Eagles in extra supplements and incentives.

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Such a deal would make Eze a record signing for Tottenham if he moved across London for N17, although such fees are somewhat more common at fellow suitors Liverpool and somewhat the norm at Manchester City, who are also , admirers of the former QPR man. .

While Eze has managed only limited minutes for England at Euro 2024 so far, Southgate was keen to stress that every player in his 26-man squad has played a part in helping them reach Sunday’s final against Spain.

Tottenham favorites to sign Eberechi Eze

And while it is debatable whether he will see any action in the showpiece in Berlin, interest in prying Eze away from Selhurst Park is expected to intensify in the days following England’s return from Germany, with several players set to finalize their futures ahead . embarking on much needed vacations.

Ange Postecoglou’s interest in acquiring Eze’s services is well documented as he looks to further strengthen a Tottenham side that finished fifth last season.

However, the Aussie knows he will need some extra quality pepper to break into the top four, with Eze, who runs freely and is quick to shoot, seen as one of those who can give the Spurs side another string to the bow their.

And according to journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to The Last Word on the Spurs PodcastIt is Tottenham who are ahead of all other clubs in the race for Eze and their interest is expected to increase in the coming days once England’s fate is known.

“When a club asks, every club asks. As soon as the Euros are over, we might see a move on that,” he said of Eze.

“You’re right that Manchester City like this player, but Tottenham are there and I think they’re ahead, if you like, in terms of how concrete they are that he’s someone they want to move further than Arsenal, who was linked to Eberechi Eze. also.”

Liverpool are not reduced from the Eze run

Former Spurs scout Bryan King would love to see Eze at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Eze would be an interesting signing, he’s a very good player,” King said last month.

“But he reminds me a lot of Maddison. So does this suggest that Maddison’s time with Tottenham could be up?

“Maddison started really well but then let himself and the club down in the second half of the season.

“His attitude went down and he seemed to get involved in things on and off the field that weren’t necessary.”

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Despite claims of interest from Arsenal and Man City, it has also been reported that Liverpool are also strong admirers of the player.

And with the Reds able to offer Champions League football – something Eze’s exit clause is believed to provide – Liverpool could gain another key advantage over Spurs if they make a rival bid.

Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke believes Liverpool boss Arne Slot is now ready to throw his hat into the ring for Eze’s signature and claims the Merseysiders cannot yet be excused from the race to sign the seven-time England international times selected.

Eze joined the Eagles in a 2020 move from QPR and is contracted to the Eagles until the summer of 2027. In that time he has played 124 times for the Croydon-based side, scoring a total of 26 goals and providing 17 decisive passes.