Tottenham Hotspur began the summer transfer window in positive fashion with the arrivals of three new signings, but now they are looking to follow up those impressive dealings by securing a deal for Richarlison from Everton.
The Brazilian has expressed his desire to depart the Toffees this summer, who narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season with one game to spare, and the latest reports have revealed that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has held talks with Everton chief Bill Kenwright.
But ahead of a proposed move to north London, one of Richarlison’s current teammates has labelled it “disrespectful” to suggest that moving to Spurs is “a step up” from Everton.
Former Spurs man and current Everton winger Andros Townsend has hit out at those who are suggesting that moving to Antonio Conte’s UEFA Champions League competitors is a step up for the Brazilian. Speaking to talkSPORT, as relayed by the Daily Mail, he said: “I think you're being slightly disrespectful by calling Spurs a step up.
“I think Everton is one of the biggest clubs in England, one of the most historic clubs, one of the biggest fanbases. He's already a hero at Everton for what he's done. He's a fantastic player and towards the end of the season the goals he scored to keep us up.
“We speak about what Frank Lampard did for the team, what the fans did to lift us, but Richarlison came back from injury, scored goals and kept us up. So he's already got hero status at the club… and that's all you're getting from me!”
Where do you think Richarlison would fit in at Tottenham? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
The 25-year-old has 53 goals and 14 assists in 152 games for Everton since joining from Watford for £35 million in 2018, proving he has undoubted quality, and although there have been doubts over whether Spurs need to sign him this summer, a deal is growing ever closer.
And especially following the news that former BBC journalist Jon Sopel revealed he had seen the two club chairmen dining together at a restaurant in Mayfair on Monday night, as reported by the Evening Standard, which has raised further suggestion that a deal is imminent.
Sopel tweeted: “If Richarlison does come to @SpursOfficial suspect history will show agreement was reached last night. Bill Kenwright and Daniel Levy were having dinner together in Scott’s - and I was at table next to them…”
Everton do not particularly want to sell one of their star assets this summer but the club are in dire need of financial reinforcements should they wish to buy players, and the only way to do that would be to gain funds through player sales, which looks to be their only way forward.
But Frank Lampard’s side are demanding in excess of £50m for the Brazilian forward, as they not only look to recoup the whole of the £35m fee they paid for him four years ago, but to also make a profit that they can put towards their transfer kitty.
Spurs have only spent money on one of their three signings this summer, with £25m splashed out on Yves Bissouma from Brighton & Hove Albion, so the funds remain available, and Conte is desperate to secure his top targets in order to build a team that is capable of competing next season.
