TOTTENHAM could pocket £26million should former starlet Marcus Edwards depart Sporting Lisbon, according to reports.
The 23-year-old, who made just one Spurs senior appearance after coming through the club’s academy, was let go in 2019.
He linked up with Portuguese side Vitoria on a free transfer – just three years after he was compared to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs allowed him to make the move to Vitoria for nothing in exchange for a 50 per cent sell-on fee.
And after impressing with the Primeira Liga outfit, he was snapped up by Sporting earlier this year for around £9m.
According to the Telegraph, Antonio Conte’s side agreed with Sporting to transfer his sell-on clause to his new contract, instead of banking £4.5m.
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Edwards’ new deal boasts a whopping £52m release clause, which Spurs would be eligible to receive £26m.
Spurs would also be able to snap him up in theory for £26m if they wish to re-sign him.
The England youth international – capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, winger or centre-forward – showed Tottenham what they are missing on Tuesday.
Edwards starred in Sporting’s shock 2-0 victory against Conte’s men at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
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And he almost capped his impressive performance with an iconic solo goal, but he spurned his chance from close range.
The former Norwich loanee picked up the ball near the halfway line, glided past Eric Dier, before shrugging the England international away and breezing past Ivan Perisic.
He then played a neat one-two with Francisco Trincao, skipped past Cristian Romero in the box, only to see his close-range shot brilliantly saved by Hugo Lloris.
Speaking after the match, Edwards revealed his desire to return to the Premier League one day.
The youngster told BT Sport: “It feels great and I think we deserved it. We showed how we can play.
“I wouldn’t say extra special, but it was a special feeling to play against Spurs. It was good to see people I know – players and coaching staff.
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“I stayed the same. Focus was the same. It’s a proper family environment here and I couldn’t be happier.
“It’s home, so of course I want to come back there [to the Premier League] one day. I just focus on what I’m doing here for now.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
