A long-anticipated move

Tottenham Hotspur have tabled an opening bid of 81 million for Eberechi Eze, the standout attacker from Crystal Palace. At 27, Eze has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards, and now a step up to a club with bigger ambitions seems inevitable.

According to The Sun, negotiations are progressing well, but the transfer will not be finalized until Palace complete Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad. The Eagles want their star man available for that match before letting him leave.

Details of the deal

Crystal Palace are not against selling Eze, provided two conditions are met: securing a replacement quickly and receiving more of the transfer fee up front. While Eze once had a 81 millions release clause plus 11 millions in add-ons, that clause has now expired, giving Palace full control over the final fee.

Spurs consultant Fabio Paratici was spotted at Stamford Bridge during Palace’s clash with Chelsea, where discussions about the transfer took place. An agreement appears to be close, but the timing will depend on Palace’s stance in the coming days.

What it means for Spurs

Thomas Frank’s side kicked off the new Premier League season with a convincing 3-0 win over Burnley and now prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad. While Eze will not be available right away, his arrival could provide Spurs with the extra quality they need to challenge at the top. Entering the peak years of his career, the England international looks set to become a pivotal signing for a Tottenham team eager to compete both domestically and in Europe.