Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for Norwegian sensation Andreas Schjelderup on the back of his World Cup heroics, but one senior Benfica figure is standing in Spurs’ way.
Tottenham had registered an interest in Benfica’s Schjelderup, who has impressed on the biggest stage this summer, scoring once and providing four assists for Norway as they made it to the quarter-final of the World Cup.
A report from Portugal claimed earlier this week that Spurs face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for the 22-year-old winger, who has become a wanted man following his performances in North America.
The same outlet revealed that the Norway international had already rejected a contract offer from Benfica, as he has a long-standing desire to play in the Premier League.
Marco Silva is trying to stop Andreas Schjelderup from joining Tottenham
According to a report in Correio da Manha (as relayed by Sport Witness), new Benfica boss Marco Silva is aware of the growing interest in the 22-year-old wide player.
It is revealed that Silva has already spoken directly to Schjelderup about his future, stressing that he considers him to be a key part of his plans at Estadio da Luz.
The former Fulham boss has told Schjelderup that he sees him as a ‘fundamental part’ of his tactical system and his project at the Portuguese giants.
Silva is attempting to persuade the player to remain in Lisbon, but he is aware that the winger’s preference is to move to a more competitive league.
Benfica open to selling Schjelderup for the right price
Meanwhile, Record (via Sport Witness) claims that the Portuguese club are open to cashing in on the Norwegian star after his value has shot up over the last few weeks.
The outlet explains that Benfica need to raise funds to balance their books after failing to qualify for the Champions League, and Schjelderup is viewed internally as one of their most sellable assets.
The publication backs up what other sources have reported over recent days by claiming that it would take around €50m (£43m) to prise the player away from Lisbon this summer.