Tottenham have received encouraging news in their chase for Andreas Schjelderup following his standout displays at this summer’s World Cup.
Spurs have shown interest in the winger, who has been in fine form for Norway at the tournament, netting one goal and setting up four more as his country reached the quarter-finals.
With signing a left-winger high on the priority list before the new campaign begins, the 22-year-old sits near the top of Roberto De Zerbi’s shortlist. Reports in recent days suggest Tottenham have already opened dialogue with Benfica, and fresh details have now emerged on what it would take to get the deal done.
What Benfica want for Schjelderup
According to Monday’s edition of A Bola, relayed by Sport Witness, De Zerbi’s Tottenham are among several clubs chasing the Norwegian international. Although his release clause is set at €100m (£85m), the report indicates Benfica would be willing to let him go for closer to €40m (£34m) this summer.
Benfica’s preferred outcome, though, is to keep hold of him and negotiate a new long-term contract following his impressive World Cup showing. Club president Rui Costa has reportedly already opened talks with Schjelderup’s representatives over fresh terms in Lisbon.
Winger dragging his feet on renewal
Despite Benfica’s push to secure his future, A Bola reports that Schjelderup is genuinely weighing up a summer exit. A separate report from Record, also via Sport Witness, adds that the player and his agents have been slow to respond to the club’s contract proposal.
That hesitation appears tied to his openness to leaving, with Tottenham reportedly the frontrunners for his signature, while other clubs in England and Italy are said to be monitoring the situation as well.
