Real Sociedad’s Brazilian forward Willian Jose gestures during the Spanish league football match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on January 5, 2020.
ANDER GILLENEA / AFP

Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose withdrew from the squad to face Espanyol on Wednesday amid speculation he is close to joining Tottenham.

Willian Jose has been key to la Real’s strong first half of the season in La Liga but asked the club to be removed from the squad to face Espanyol in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey.

“Last minute change to the squad: Lobete (number 35) comes in instead of Willian Jose. The forward has asked the club to be left out until his situation is clarified,” read a message posted on Real Sociedad’s official Twitter account.

AS and Marca had both reported on Wednesday afternoon that only the final details of the transfer were still to be agreed between the Spanish side and Spurs.

The 28-year-old’s contract, which he signed in 2018, contains a 70-million euro release clause but it is unlikely Tottenham would pay the full amount.

Willian Jose has scored eight goals in 22 games this season. The Brazilian would be tasked with filling the void at Spurs left by the injured Harry Kane.

AFP