Tottenham unhappy with Everton's 'absurd' claim on their £60m Richarlison deal

Everton's hopes of Tottenham waiving a £10million fee for Dele Alli have receded after they blamed them for over-spending that has resulted in the Toffees being docked 10 points.

Mail Sport has learned that Tottenham are unhappy with Everton's claim that Daniel Levy's refusal to pay £80million for Brazilian striker Richarlison caused them to breach the Premier League's spending rules, which sources at the club have described as absurd.

The 41-page written judgement published by the Premier League's independent commission last Friday contained a claim from Everton that Tottenham had exploited their problems complying with profit and sustainability rules by driving 'a hard bargain' in the transfer market.

Everton also said that the £60m transfer fee Tottenham agreed to pay for the Brazilian striker in June 2022 – which was £20m short of their valuation – was 'directly attributable to PSR calculation difficulties.'

Everton's attempt to use the Richarlison fee as mitigation for their over-spending was rejected by the independent commission and may now have damaged their relationship with Tottenham.

The two clubs held talks last month over restructuring a deal which currently states Everton must pay Tottenham £10m if Dele makes another seven appearances, a fee they would struggle to afford at present due to their financial problems, but have yet to reach an agreement.

Tottenham do not want to prevent Dele reviving his career at Goodsion Park, but have made it clear that any renegotiated settlement has to be right for both parties, with a new deal now viewed as less likely.

The 27-year-old also has to improve his fitness before manager Sean Dyche will consider him for selection, as he has not played since picking up an injury