Manchester City are known for their transfer market prowess, but could be beaten by Tottenham for one of this summer's hottest Premier League transfer targets.
Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze is a wanted man, the subject of multiple transfer rumors this summer alongside club teammates Michael Olise and Marc Guehi. Various reports all summer have tabbed him at a valuation of $77.5m (£60m / €71.4m), but there's not yet been a frontrunner established in the race.
Until now, that is. According to talkSPORT football correspondent Alex Crook, Spurs are ahead of Man City in the race to sign Eze. Crook stated on the latest episode of his podcast Premier League All Access that Spurs are in pole position for this move, although a number of contingencies are at play.
"Tottenham’s interest is more advanced in terms of this summer," Crook said. "With City, it would depend on [Kevin] De Bruyne leaving and we don’t think that will happen this summer, probably more likely next.”
Crook stated that a move for Eze would only be completed if Tottenham make room in the squad, but they recently confirmed the loan departure of midfielder Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg to French side Marseille.
Meanwhile, de Bruyne is unlikely to leave Man City given Pep Guardiola's emphatic recent comments that the Belgian would stay. Despite heavy links to Saudi club Al Ittihad, Guardiola was adamant that his playmaking superstar would be sticking around. "Kevin isn’t leaving," Guardiola said during pre-match media availability ahead of the club's preseason game against Celtic from the United States.
