The winger has been linked with Tottenham in line for a huge pay rise after fresh talks

Tottenham’s growing interest in Andreas Schjelderup seems to have confused Benfica, with the Portuguese giants moving to sign their star rather than risk losing him to the Premier League.

Spurs have already been linked with a potential deal, naming the Norwegian as one of their attacking targets as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reshape his front line.

The North Londoners have worked hard to overhaul the core of the squad this summer, adding a completely new defense amid the expectation that Cristian Romero will leave, and attention is now on the rise.

James Maddison is fully fit to return from the torn ACL he suffered last August, but Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined for what feels like an eternity, with no firm timeline for his return with no hopes of a return in the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, Xavi Simons, injured his ACL against Wolves in April, which led to him not playing last season and the World Cup with the Netherlands.

With three key creative areas all beset by long-term problems in different areas, it’s no surprise to see the manager looking to get more creative in the transfer market.

Benfica have offered Schjelderup a new contract to avoid interest from Tottenham

FootballFanCast understands that Benfica have gone beyond the usual renewal offer in their bid to land Schjelderup. Despite being their most valuable asset, the 22-year-old is currently one of the Portuguese club’s lowest-paid players on a deal that runs until 2028.

Sources close to the situation say they have tabled new terms that will extend his current contract by three years until 2031, while also increasing his salary to match Benfica’s highest paid players.

The winger has a €100m (£85m) release clause in his current deal, but there is an understanding he could be allowed to leave for closer to €80m (£68m).

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of Benfica’s leading attackers, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 43 appearances in all competitions last season.

He also enhanced his reputation with a strong World Cup campaign in Norway, including a goal against England in the quarter-finals.

Teammate Alexander Sorloth was full of praise after his display against the Netherlands, describing him as “a very strong and amazing player” who showed no fear in taking on Denzel Dumfries.

Versatile in the front line and effective on either side, Schjelderup fits De Zerbi’s profile of young, technically gifted attackers, and has previously attracted the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona.

Tottenham are still waiting for Savinho’s response

Schjelderup’s situation is complicated by Tottenham’s pursuit of Manchester City’s winger, Savinho, who continues to be closely watched by De Zerbi in wide areas.

The Brazilian was on the verge of joining Spurs last summer, but City pulled the plug when they couldn’t identify a replacement in time, opting to offer him a new contract.

The same thing will happen again this year, as reports suggest that the player wants to change but City have again postponed the event until they have prepared their same addition.

Savinho’s torrid campaign at the Etihad – just four goals and three assists in 36 games – means he is unlikely to regain his struggling approach even with the arrival of a new manager in Enzo Maresca.

If City once again fail to sanction Savinho’s exit before the market moves on, Schjelderup represents an interesting alternative.

Whether Tottenham end up pursuing both, or focus entirely on the Benfica man if Savinho does again, is likely to be one of the defining parts of Spurs’ remaining transfer business this summer.