Eberechi Eze starts for Crystal Palace against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, despite strong interest from Tottenham Hotspur in signing the England international. The attacking midfielder was a doubt to feature amid uncertainty over his future, but the Eagles decided to include him for the clash in west London as negotiations with Spurs continue.
Palace start Eze despite transfer talksSpurs value England midfielder at £55m as interest growsNegotiations ongoing between clubsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Eze has been included in Crystal Palace's starting XI against Chelsea on Sunday. Tottenham remain keen on landing the 27-year-old, with Spurs valuing him at around £55 million ($74.5m). Despite talks, the Eagles want to focus on the game before their Conference League debut next week and are willing to start Eze while he remains on their books.
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Tottenham’s interest in Eze has intensified in the last few weeks with their squad needing reinforcements after James Maddison's ACL injury and the departure of Son Heung-min. With Arsenal cooling their interest, Spurs feel more confident about getting a deal done before the deadline at the end of the month. Talks seemed to have reached an advanced stage on Saturday to the point that Eze was set to be dropped from the Palace squad, but further progress wasn't made and he has been reinstated into Oliver Glasner's team at least for the Chelsea clash.
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Eze has two years left on his contract and was signed from QPR for a deal worth up to £19.5m. The Championship side from weest London would receive 15% of any profit Crystal Palace make if he is sold to Tottenham. The Lilywhites also have their eyes on Savinho, but negotiations with Manchester City remain complicated.
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The England international will aim to impress against Chelsea while his future remains uncertain. Tottenham are expected to advance talks in the coming days, with a formal offer still to come. Palace will then have to decide whether to cash in or resist Spurs’ pursuit.
