Everton striker Richarlison has allegedly agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur and is now closing in on a switch to the North London club.
The Brazil international is seemingly set to depart Goodison Park after a four-year spell, during which he helped the Toffees stave off relegation to the Championship last season.
Richarlison only has two years left to run on his contract with Frank Lampard's side, who are thought to be willing to let the attacker leave for the right price this summer.
Tottenham have long been regarded as the frontrunners for Richarlison's signature, although Chelsea were apparently attempting to hijack a move for the 25-year-old at one point.
However, with the Blues now focusing their efforts on signing Raphinha from Leeds United, Tottenham have been handed a clear run at Richarlison, and a deal is now nearing completion.
© Reuters
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Richarlison have now struck an agreement over personal terms, with the South American set to pen a "long-term" deal in the capital.
Romano adds that Tottenham and Everton have scheduled another round of talks in which they will attempt to thrash out an agreement over a fee, but Everton are running out of time to get their financial affairs in order.
The Toffees have until the end of the week to boost their coffers in order to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, and failure to do so could result in a potential points deduction.
As a result, a separate report from Sky Sports News indicates that Spurs are optimistic about wrapping up a deal for Richarlison within the next 24 hours given the Toffees' precarious financial situation.
The former Watford man could therefore be announced as a new Tottenham player by the end of the week and is seemingly set to leave Everton after scoring 53 goals and providing 14 assists in 152 matches for the club.
Full agreement between Richarlison representatives and Tottenham on personal terms. Long term contract agreed with his new agents, waiting to complete the deal with Everton. 🚨⚪️ #THFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2022
New direct contact scheduled soon to discuss deal details between the two clubs.
Richarlison's 10 goals and five assists in 30 Premier League appearances last season were crucial in preserving Everton's top-flight status, but he has not finished higher than eighth with the Toffees.
Spurs are also understood to be interested in a deal for Richarlison's teammate Anthony Gordon, but Everton are more reluctant to part ways with the 21-year-old.
Nevertheless, a transfer for Richarlison will seemingly be straightforward for Tottenham, who have already signed Yves Bissouma, Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic this summer.
Antonio Conte is also aiming to boost his ranks at centre-back, and the Lilywhites are thought to be closing in on a deal to bring Clement Lenglet to the club on loan from Barcelona.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was revealed that new arrival Bissouma had been cleared of a sexual assault allegation following an arrest outside a Brighton nightclub in October.
