Tottenham plan to open talks with Benfica over ‘£100m’ deal
Tottenham want to negotiate with Benfica over signing Andreas Schjelderup as they aim to avoid exercising his hefty release clause, sources have told Football Insider.
Schjelderup has emerged onto Spurs' radar after impressing at the World Cup with Norway over the last month.
The left winger registered two assists against Brazil and then scored their only goal in a quarter-final loss to England last weekend.
Schjelderup has been a regular in Benfica's starting eleven over the last two seasons since joining from his boyhood club, Nordsjaelland.
He reportedly has a release clause worth close to £100million, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham will look to pay less for his services this summer.
The 22-year-old is believed to be considering the possibility of a move this summer, with Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi keen to add a new left winger to his squad.
Tottenham to negotiate deal for Andreas Schjelderup as Benfica stand firm
Benfica have no plans to sell Schjelderup as new boss Marco Silva aims to stage a title push next season.
He registered 17 goal contributions in 46 appearances for the Portuguese giants last term, with his potential clear for all to see as Spurs plot a move.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Benfica want to keep Schjelderup, they don't really want to lose him. He's under contract until 2028.
"He has got a big release clause, I think of over £100million, which I don't think any club would be willing to pay, but clubs will be open to negotiate on that as well."
Mathys Tel could leave Tottenham amid game time concerns
Tel struggled to nail down a regular starting spot for Spurs last season on either the left wing or as a centre-forward.
He did impress towards the end of the campaign under De Zerbi, but could depart the club this summer just a year after joining permanently from Bayern Munich.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Tel could push to leave Spurs if he feels like he will not be given ample minutes next season.
His potential exit would free up even more space on the left wing, with Schjelderup then possibly set to fill that gap if Tottenham can agree a deal.