Tottenham ‘most advanced Premier League club’ in race to sign ‘priority’ De Zerbi target
Tottenham Hotspur are refusing to give up on their pursuit of Benfica star Andreas Schjelderup, but the winger’s World Cup heroics may make a deal difficult for the Lilywhites to complete.
It first emerged last month that Spurs are admirers of Schjelderup, who was one of the best wide players on show at the World Cup, notching up a goal and four assists in Norway’s path to the quarter-final.
Over the last few days, several reports have indicated that Tottenham could step up their pursuit of the Benfica man, who faces an uncertain future in Lisbon.
Some sources have claimed that the 22-year-old Spurs target is keen on making the switch to a bigger league after spending three years in Portugal.
A new report in O Jogo (as relayed by Sport Witness) has claimed that the Lilywhites have approached Benfica to ‘establish the conditions of a potential transfer’ for the winger.
The outlet says that Tottenham made this enquiry after Schjelderup emerged as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s ‘priority targets’ this summer.
The report reveals that Chelsea and Liverpool are also monitoring the Norwegian star, who scored 10 goals and provided seven assists for Benfica last season.
However, the update suggests that at the moment, Tottenham appear to be ‘the most advanced Premier League club’ in the race for the winger.
Spurs have to break the bank to land Schjelderup
O Jogo says the biggest obstacle to the deal could be Benfica’s asking price, which has risen significantly in light of the player’s performances at the World Cup.
While the Portuguese club were willing to open talks at around €40m (£34.4m) at the start of the summer, they are now expected to demand €80m (£68.8m) for Schjelderup.
In the meantime, Benfica have not given up their efforts to tie the winger to a new contract, although they have so far been unable to persuade the player to do so.
