Glasner expecting Eze to turn out for Crystal Palace again despite Tottenham talks
The attacking midfielder is edging closer to a North London switch
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says he expects Eberechi Eze to play in the club’s historic first European fixture this week, even as transfer talks with Tottenham continue.
Following Palace’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea, Glasner said: “There are a lot of rumours about Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, but they were 100% with this group… and they have proved that in a big way.”
Asked about Eze’s situation specifically, the Austrian coach added: “He will come tomorrow to the Crystal Palace training ground, Tuesday off, we take Wednesday and I expect him to be back playing for us against Fredrikstad.”
Palace meet Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the Europa Conference League play-off round on Thursday, marking their first-ever appearance in European competition.
They earned qualification by winning last season’s FA Cup but were placed in the Conference League instead of the Europa League due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.
Glasner also praised both Eze and Guehi in his comments to BBC Match of the Day: “Everyone could see the performances against Liverpool [in the Community Shield] and today they were 100% aligned with this team and Crystal Palace.
“As long as they are 100% committed, they will play as they are so good.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham are pushing ahead with their bid for Eze.
Reports on Saturday suggested that Spurs have been in talks since the beginning of last week and are preparing a formal offer.
The England international had a release clause in his contract worth £60m plus £8m in add-ons, but that clause has now expired.
Tottenham are said to be negotiating a deal at a figure slightly below the full package.
Palace face a similar situation with Marc Guehi, who is attracting strong interest from Liverpool. The 25-year-old centre-back, who also plays for England, is out of contract next summer.
Last week, chairman Steve Parish admitted the club would be willing to cash in rather than risk losing him for nothing: Palace value him at around £40m, but Liverpool are reluctant to pay that amount.