Tottenham and Crystal Palace in talks as Eze pushes for transfer

Tottenham Hotspur are discussing the possible £55 million, plus £5m in add-ons, transfer of Eberechi Eze with Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old has also handed in a transfer request. Eze has reportedly stated that he wants to join Tottenham, as confirmed by a recent report highlighting his desire for the move.

WHAT HAPPENED?

At Spurs‘ pre-match press conference on Friday, assistant manager Kevin Keen confirmed that Eze has requested a move to Spurs and said that although the club is considering it, they are more keen to focus on the match against Fredrikstad.

“You’d have to ask Ollie about team selection. The manager picks the team. Eze has asked to leave. On our side, I’ve asked the question before – what do I think we should do? I’m not going back on any of that. He’s a fantastic footballer, his words not mine as the Chairman; sometimes football gets in the way of football, and it is. There are finance, economic, whatever you want to talk about on that side, but I still know what I think we should do. I always think we should be about winning matches. If we can add to the squad to win matches, I’ve said before about when you’ve got a talent, whatever sport, I’ve said football, cricket, whatever you’re playing in our job, and listen this is for every club, whether it’s Liverpool you’ve heard things in the last four, five hours, you know. Great. I’ll tell someone else that might not want to be here.

Focus is on tomorrow night. You’re laughing, but it’s true. It’s the irony. Oh I’m sorry that might not be able to play and that ’cause I ain’t gonna break the 85 percent rule, ain’t got a bloomin choice. It’s life. Yeah, that’s how I feel. I’d love to be able to sit here with you and say hey listen I’ve got six, seven great top team midfielders for 10, 15 years, chomping at the bit, some that are not playing and Messi. I ain’t gonna be doing that as much as we’d love to do that.

“So yeah, that’s where I sit. Talk to these fellows that have done great work for the club from this side in different situations, Dortmund. He said people on the bench there, top players that are at this side. Truly I tell you these fellows do a fantastic job for the club. What I am responsible for is being able to stand in front of you fellows and say with total faith, total belief, I’m putting out the absolute best 11 players I’ve got available for each game, and that’s what I’m gonna do this weekend.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Eze made way for a 133rd straight Palace appearance for the visit to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea last weekend, but did not get on the scoresheet. Despite the talent of the 27-year-old, Oliver Glasner is prepared to allow the England international to move across London. Recently, it was reported that Crystal Palace is prepared to leave Eberechi Eze out of their Premier League opener against Chelsea amid ongoing transfer talks.

His departure would leave Palace short in midfield, and looking at urgent reinforcements to the team. Forward work may be required in that area, with the team probably going back into the transfer market looking for reinforcements for the season ahead.

WHAT NEXT FOR CRYSTAL PALACE?

Palace don’t have long left to decide whether to accept Tottenham’s offer. Eze’s contract, which reportedly includes a £68 million release clause, expires at the end of the season, and he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement from Sunday if the clubs do not reach an agreement. Spurs could potentially secure him for free in the summer if no deal is made beforehand.