Tottenham Hotspur haven’t exactly made a habit of paying the premium price for players over the years.
It’s no secret that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has earned the reputation of one of the toughest negotiators in football.
Just 18 months ago, Tottenham were locked in drawn-out talks with Sporting CP over a move for Pedro Porro.
Spurs eventually got their man and the Spaniard has become a key player under Ange Postecoglou. But it was a deal that frustrated supporters as Tottenham attempted to land Porro for less than his release clause, leading to the deal being completed on deadline day.
And the Lilywhites could face a similar situation this summer in their pursuit of a current Premier League star.
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Tottenham ‘unlikely’ to meet Eberechi Eze release clause
Spurs have been long linked with a move for Eberechi Eze and have already enquired about signing the Crystal Palace star.
The 26-year-old reportedly has a release clause worth up to £68 million in his current deal at Selhurst Park.
Despite Palace being ‘a little bit nervous’ over Eze’s future, journalist Ben Jacobs has labelled the chances of Spurs paying the clause as unlikely.
“Nobody’s made any direct contact yet with Crystal Palace. So I think this is a deal that will require a little bit more patience,” the journalist said.
“I also don’t think Eze is knocking on the door at this stage to leave. But when the likes of Tottenham or Arsenal, or a club of that magnitude, come calling, they can, you know, clearly offer a pay rise and European football.
“Palace are, to some extent, a little bit nervous, because they’re aware that many of their players are in demand because they had such a good finish to the season, but they’re well protected with Eze. It’s unlikely that either Arsenal or Spurs will see value in triggering the release clause.”
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Eze a ‘world-class’ talent
Spurs are in desperate need of extra options out wide and a suitable alternative option to James Maddison. It’s no coincidence that Tottenham’s form suffered after Maddison’s dip in performances last season.
Eze would certainly tick a couple of boxes for Postecoglou due to his creativity in the middle of the park and his ability to play off the left.
Chelsea legend Joe Cole recently lauded Eze’s talent and admitted he loves watching the Spurs transfer target.
“He is one of the players in the Premier League who I love watching. He is so balanced, he brings the ball, he goes both ways, and again, he is one of them great players, when you have a world-class player, the game calms around him. He takes his time,” he said.
Tottenham do have a decision to make over Eze though as they have also been linked with Stade Rennais youngster Desire Doue.
The Frenchman offers a similar profile to Eze as he’s also able to operate out wide and in an advanced midfield role.
