Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose is pushing for a move to London and has a €70 million buy-out clause in his contract, but Tottenham are negotiating a much lower fee, sources have told ESPN.
The negotiations have started around the €20-30m mark and talks will continue on Thursday with a view to reaching an agreement quickly.
Jose, 28, still has four-and-a-half years left on the new deal he signed with Sociedad in 2018, but the Brazilian is putting pressure on his club to let him leave.
Spurs are confident they will strike a good deal and are encouraged by the fact Real Sociedad have opened the door for a move.
They have also been buoyed by Sociedad’s search for a replacement. Former Tottenham striker Fernando Llorente and Girona’s Cristhian Stuani are on the La Liga club’s list of targets, sources have told ESPN.
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Jose was left out of the squad that beat Espanyol in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening. He joined Real Sociedad in 2016 for €6m from Uruguayan club Maldonado, who still own 30% of his rights.
Spurs manager Jose Mourinho has identified him as the player he needs to replace Harry Kane during his time on the sidelines with an injury, but also believes the Brazilian can strengthen north London side’s squad.
The 6 ft. 2 in. striker is physically strong with a good finishing touch. He has eight league goals this season in 20 La Liga matches — 16 of which he started.
His most prolific season was in 2017-18 when he scored 15 league goals. Last season he netted 11 times in La Liga.