Tottenham Hotspur are in line for a huge payday as Saudi Pro League clubs are now showing interest in defender Emerson Royal.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (Page 2), Saudi clubs are weighing up a move for Emerson, although the defender is still expected to join AC Milan this summer.
The 25-year-old has given Milan the green light to push for his signature, but both clubs are still locked in negotiations over a transfer fee.
Emerson has reportedly agreed a five-year contract and would pocket around £2.5 million per year at the San Siro.
His move to Milan has been in the pipeline for the past couple of weeks, but the seven-time Champions League winners are reluctant to meet Tottenham’s asking price.
Tottenham are demanding at least £21m to sell Emerson, but Milan are hoping to knock their asking price down to around £17m plus performance-related add-ons.
There isn’t a significant gulf between both clubs, but Milan will have to ramp up their efforts in the coming weeks with Saudi clubs now in the picture.
Milan are still in pole position despite interest from Saudi clubs
Tottenham will be delighted to hear that Saudi clubs are interested in Emerson, given they’re more likely to meet their asking price.
However, Milan are still in pole position to sign the Brazilian defender.
The former Barcelona star has revealed his admiration for the Serie A giants, reaffirming his desire to play regular first-team football next season.
“I want to play on a regular basis – I don’t want to sit on the bench,” Emerson told Globo.
Emerson only started 11 of his 22 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season and is poised to leave the club this summer.
The prospect of playing in the Champions League with Milan undoubtedly plays a key role in his desire to join them, but the riches of the Gulf State may be too much to turn down.
