Hopes of a late Tottenham push for Eberechi Eze were dashed this week when his release clause expired.
Crystal Palace would have been defenceless if Spurs or any other interested party forked out £60million earlier this summer, but the expiration of Eze’s clause means the Eagles can effectively demand whatever price they want.
And with playmaker Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich earlier in the window, Palace would be sure to fight for Eze.
Spurs’ need for a new winger is no longer as urgent after the signing of Wilson Odobert from Burnley – but a late Hail Mary for Eze cannot be ruled out.