Manchester City are not favourites to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
It was reported earlier this week that the Cityzens were planning a bid for the England international but Crook says Spurs are more likely to table an offer:
“Tottenham’s interest is genuine, but they need to shift players on. I would say that Tottenham’s interest is more advanced (than City’s) in terms of this summer.”
“With City, it would depend on De Bruyne leaving and we don’t think that will happen this summer, probably more likely next.”
Other Premier League clubs are also pursuing Eze
In addition to City and Tottenham, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old in recent months.
However, Eze’s release clause remains a big stumbling block. It is believed that any team would have to pay £60m, with another £8m in performance-related add-ons.
Will De Bruyne leave City?
Manager Pep Guardiola has emphatically stated that the Belgian international will remain at the Etihad Stadium. There had been rumours that Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad had agreed a contract with the player but it seems as though he will be staying put for now.
As Crooks points out, that will have a knock-on effect in terms of the Premier League champions’ interest in Eze. Many believe that the Palace star is De Bruyne’s replacement.
However, with the 33-year-old staying for another year, it is very possible that the Cityzens could miss out on their top target.
There is no guarantee that Eze will leave Selhurst Park before the transfer window closes but, if a team like Spurs pays his buyout fee, it’s unlikely that City will challenge them.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here
