By Sam Stone

29th Jun, 2022 | 4:14pm

Alex Crook: Everton striker Richarlison not a priority for Tottenham

Everton striker Richarlison is not a priority for Tottenham Hotspur this summer despite intense interest in the 25-year-old according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday 29 June that the two clubs are in discussion over the 25-year-old, with talks on personal terms already at an advanced stage.

However, talkSPORT journalist Crook believes this saga could drag on throughout the summer.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT on Wednesday 29 June: “I think that will be one that could drag on a bit because I don’t think he’s a priority for Tottenham.

“I think he’s a luxury signing, someone that Paratici and Conte clearly admire and would like to bring in, but I don’t think it’s a necessity.

“They can afford to wait and bide their time.”

Does he fit at Spurs?

Does the Brazilian striker actually feature regularly at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium?

There aren’t many players in world football that would get into Spurs’ front three at present, With Hary Kane, Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski forming a lethal trio towards the back end of last season.

Spurs do need quality backup for their current forward line but it is highly unlikely that Richarlison will want to play second fiddle with the World Cup fast approaching remains to be seen.

It is essential that the 25-year-old is featuring regularly during the first half of the 2022/23 season in order to ensure his inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Brazil have an excellent chance of being successful in Qatar and Richarlison cannot afford to miss the opportunity to potentially get his hands on a World Cup winners medal.

Evertonians won’t begrudge the Brazilian a move to a Champions League club, as long as the transfer fee is smartly invested back into Frank Lampard’s Everton squad.