Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze reportedly has a release clause in his contract that can be activated in 2025.
Ever since signing for the Eagles in the summer of 2020, Eze has only gone from strength to strength in the Premier League.
The playmaker has contributed a total of 27 goals and 15 assists from his 115 outings in England's top flight, form that has also earned him recognition with the Three Lions.
However, despite his appearances at Euro 2024, no suitable offers arrived for the 26-year-old during the summer transfer window.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has acknowledged his surprise at a lack of interest in Eze, potentially due to a high release clause up until a certain point of the off-season.
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Asking price set for Eze
As per the Daily Mail, clubs had been able to sign Eze for a £60m fee plus a further £8m in add-ons.
Depending on your perspective and funds available, Eze having a set value in his Palace deal could be viewed as either beneficial or detrimental.
Nevertheless, according to the same outlet, the £68m buy-out option in question will come back into play at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The outlet highlights that it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Palace could look to renegotiate the terms of his contract, which runs until 2027.
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Which clubs could show an interest?
Earlier in the summer, the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur were each credited with an interest in the former Queens Park Rangers man.
Man City would have no issue with meeting the aforementioned release clause courtesy of choosing not to replace Julian Alvarez after the Argentine's £82m switch to Atletico Madrid.
Spurs' net spend was far greater, yet there were enough outgoings and sufficient savings made on the wage bill that a move for Eze would likely be feasible.
Other clubs from home and abroad could also enter the race if Eze continues his upward trajectory, his latest positive impact coming in Palace's 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.
Darren Plant
