Sources: £68m “superstar” open to Tottenham move as Lange eyes summer deal

Tottenham Hotspur could step up their pursuit of Eberechi Eze in the summer transfer window after emerging as a strong contender to secure his signature, according to sources.

However, the North London club faces a significant obstacle in Crystal Palace’s valuation of their star midfielder, with the Eagles determined to fend off interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs.

Eze, who joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers in August 2020, has established himself as a key player, forming effective partnerships with Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta during his time in South London.

His performances have caught the attention of Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, and sources indicate that while Spurs are leading the race to sign him, his release clause could pose a challenge.

Reports suggest that Tottenham is currently the most interested club in securing Eze’s services. While Chelsea has shown no interest, Spurs have emerged as the most concrete option, with the midfielder open to the idea of moving to North London.

Eze is keen on staying in the capital, where he began his career at QPR and grew up in Greenwich. Although not a dealbreaker, his preference to remain in London strengthens Tottenham’s position in negotiations.

The 26-year-old’s release clause is set at £68 million for the summer, the same as last year, but the process to trigger it is not straightforward. Any club looking to sign him must first approach Palace to express interest before negotiating directly with the player, who holds the final say on his future.

Despite his proven quality in the Premier League, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Napoli are reluctant to pay the full release clause. Spurs’ sporting director, Johan Lange, values Eze closer to £50 million, which could create a standoff in negotiations.

Since joining Palace, the attacking midfielder has registered 28 goals and 21 assists at Selhurst Park, earning high praise, including being called a “superstar” by Jamie Carragher.

However, clubs interested in signing him are unwilling to meet Palace’s valuation, which could give the Eagles leverage in retaining him for another season.

Although Tottenham remains the frontrunner, there is a real possibility that Eze could stay at Palace beyond the summer. The club is determined to keep one of its key players, and with two years left on his contract, they are in a strong position to resist offers.

Despite scoring just twice in the Premier League this season, Eze’s influence on the team remains significant, and Palace’s resurgence under Oliver Glasner could further convince him to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.

Eze’s international career has also boosted his profile, making him an even more attractive prospect for top clubs. Since making his England debut in June 2023, he has earned nine caps, including appearances at EURO 2024, where he played a role in England’s campaign and received a runners-up medal under Gareth Southgate.

Although he has yet to score for the national team, his involvement at a major tournament highlights his growing reputation.

One factor that could influence Eze’s decision is the opportunity to play in European competition. Having never competed at that level before, a move to Tottenham could mark a significant milestone in his career, especially if Spurs continue their resurgence under Postecoglou.

With the North London club aiming to secure European football next season, the prospect of competing on a bigger stage could be a major incentive for Eze to make the switch.

Eberechi Eze’s Premier League performance this season further underscores his value. He ranks first in the Crystal Palace squad for assists, key passes per game, shots per game, and dribbles per game, making him one of the most influential players in the team. His overall match rating also places him among the top performers.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Tottenham’s pursuit of Eze will depend on negotiations with Crystal Palace and whether a compromise can be reached on the transfer fee.

While Spurs are in pole position to land the midfielder, the Eagles’ firm stance could complicate the deal. Regardless of the outcome, Eze’s performances continue to draw admiration, and his future remains one of the most intriguing storylines ahead of the transfer window.