Tottenham ‘fear’ their chances of signing Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze have been dashed by one of two bigger Premier League sides, while Manchester United may also have missed out amid confirmed interest.

Tottenham courted Crystal Palace and England ace Eze over the summer, with the 26-year-old available via a release clause. But the clause – believed to be worth £68m – expired on August 16 without being activated.

According to online outlet Football Transfers, Spurs had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Eze earlier in the window, presumably regarding his willingness to join the club.

However, the report then stated Tottenham’s move was put on ice once Eze’s representatives ‘informed’ Spurs a rival Premier League side had also made contact regarding a future move.

That prompted Tottenham to shift focus and the money set aside for Eze was channelled over to Bournemouth for the signing of Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham reportedly retain interest in Eze, though the optimal time to strike may have passed. Indeed, the report’s headline stated Spurs ‘fear’ a move for Eze has been ‘hijacked.

The identity of that club was not revealed, though the report narrowed it down to two teams – Arsenal and Manchester City.

The inference there is Eze is content to play for Palace for one more season before moving to Arsenal or Man City next summer.

Eze release clause clarified; Man Utd interest confirmed

Eze’s release clause may have expired on August 16, though the Daily Mail recently reported it will re-activate in 2025.

The value of the clause will reportedly remain unchanged, meaning clubs can take Palace out of the equation by bidding £68m.

Man Utd are another club to hold interest in the versatile attacker who bagged 15 goal contributions in 27 Premier League appearances last term.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported earlier in September of United’s admiration of Eze on the back of offloading Jadon Sancho to Chelsea.

Romano wrote: “Still, we can say that, with Jadon Sancho leaving for Chelsea, the idea of the club in 2025 is to add one more winger, and there have been some fans asking me about the links with Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace.

“For sure, Eze is a player United have been scouting and monitoring as they appreciate his ability, the same was true of Michael Olise while he was at Crystal Palace but the deal was too expensive and he joined Bayern Munich instead.

“In the next months, United will be tracking several wingers, and in summer 2025 there is a concrete chance that they will invest money in a new signing for that position.