Tottenham and Everton make verbal offers for Barış Alper Yılmaz as transfer battle heats up

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have reportedly made verbal offers approaching €40m for Galatasaray attacker Barış Alper Yılmaz, setting up a potential Premier League transfer battle during the final stages of the window.

Everton have already seen a €35m proposal rejected, while Tottenham have also been strongly linked with the 26-year-old. Now both clubs appear to have taken further action.

According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, Spurs and Everton have approached Galatasaray with verbal proposals worth close to €40m.

It remains unclear whether the reported €40m figures include bonuses, while Galatasaray's response to the latest approaches has not yet been revealed.

The Turkish champions have previously been reported to value Yılmaz at around €50m, meaning both Premier League clubs may still need to improve their proposals.

Everton's interest is particularly established. Their previous €35m offer was rejected earlier this month, but the Toffees were expected to return with an improved proposal.

Tottenham, meanwhile, were previously claimed to be preparing a package worth as much as €50m.

The latest development suggests both clubs remain firmly in contention.

One major factor is Yılmaz himself.

The Turkey international has reportedly not yet decided whether he wants to leave Galatasaray, meaning even an agreement between clubs would still require the player's approval.

Fanatik believes there could be "significant developments" during the next 10 days, leaving open the possibility of a late move to the Premier League.

Yılmaz still has two years remaining on his Galatasaray contract, so the Istanbul club are not under immediate contractual pressure to accept an offer.

However, proposals around €40m or potentially higher could prove difficult to ignore.

There have also been conflicting indications surrounding Galatasaray's willingness to sell.

While some reports maintain the club would prefer to keep Yılmaz, Turkish journalist Serdar Ali Çelikler recently claimed Galatasaray have been trying to find buyers for both the winger and Gabriel Sara.

That raises the possibility of their position becoming more flexible as the deadline approaches.

If Galatasaray cannot secure their previously reported €50m valuation, an improved offer from Tottenham or Everton could potentially create room for compromise.

Yılmaz's production makes the interest understandable. He has registered 37 goals and 36 assists in 207 appearances for Galatasaray, including 12 goals and 16 assists last season.

His ability to operate across several attacking positions would also provide valuable flexibility for either Premier League club.

The next move could depend on whether Tottenham or Everton are prepared to turn their verbal proposals into improved formal offers.

Galatasaray may also become more flexible as the deadline approaches, but Yılmaz's own decision will ultimately be crucial. With less than two weeks remaining, the coming days could determine whether his future remains in Istanbul or takes him to the Premier League.

Who would be the better move for Barış Alper Yılmaz: Tottenham or Everton? Have your say.