Liverpool 'preparing formal bid' for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze

On the back of his successful Euro 2024 campaign, Liverpool are preparing a bid for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, according to reports.

The 26-year-old has garnered significant interest following a stellar end to the last season, in which he scored eight goals in Palace's last ten games to earn himself a spot in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad.

Now, according to Football Insider, the Reds are set to go head to head with Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of the dynamic attacker who made three substitute appearances in Germany this summer.

The report states that multiple top Premier League clubs have expressed a desire to secure Eze before the 31 August transfer deadline, but it's Liverpool and Tottenham who are reportedly readying formal bids once Eze returns from his post-Euros break.

Arsenal, previously credited with an interest, are no longer believed to be near the front of the queue as the Gunners wouldn't be able to guarantee first-team football, as reported by Steve Kay on KS1TV.

Crystal Palace want £50m+ for Eze

However, clubs wanting to prise away Crystal Palace's star asset are going to have to spend big.

The South Londoners are in a strong negotiating position after selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich for £50.8 million earlier this summer — and they're likely to demand a similar fee for Eze.

That's because last season, despite a muscle injury limiting him to 26 starts in 31 appearances, Eze still managed 11 goals and six assists.

Liverpool currently have a wealth of options on the left flank, including Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, but Eze’s versatility and attacking prowess make him a valuable target — especially if the Colombian leaves this summer, as has been touted, with Barcelona the side showing the strongest interest in the 27-year-old.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been mentioned as potential suitors, with Liverpool reportedly willing to sanction an exit this summer should Diaz request a move. However, the Reds are not keen on a sale.

While Diaz had a slightly higher goal tally last season, Eze boasted a better goals-per-minute ratio and higher percentages in shots on target and successful take-ons.