Richarlison, who saw his proposed deadline-day move to Everton collapse, is understood to be exploring his options, with sources close to the situation indicating the 29-year-old wants to be released from the nine months left on his deal.
Talks between the club and the player's representatives are ongoing, according to the BBC, though the dispute is understood to have escalated in recent days. Richarlison wants an agreement that would let him leave Tottenham for nothing, but Spurs do not regard that as a realistic option and are unwilling to negotiate a settlement over the remainder of his contract.
Complicating matters further, Spurs hold a 12-month option that would extend Richarlison's deal until the end of next season, handing the club significant leverage in any negotiation.
The forward has been left out of Tottenham's Premier League squad since the Everton deal fell through. That move would have brought Spurs an estimated £35m, but it collapsed after Richarlison failed to agree personal terms with the Toffees, the club he left for a reported £60m switch to north London back in 2022.
Brazilian side Vasco da Gama are keen to sign Richarlison, who is believed to want a return to his homeland after four years in the Premier League. Whether that interest can translate into a resolution before Tottenham and Richarlison find common ground remains to be seen.
The saga has already taken several turns. A proposed swap deal earlier in the summer that would have sent Richarlison to Everton and brought Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham in return broke down, with Ndiaye instead joining Manchester City, and a subsequent push for a switch to Turkish club Trabzonspor also failed to progress before that window closed.
Richarlison arrived at Tottenham from Everton in 2022 in a deal reported to be worth up to £60m, having previously formed a productive strike partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park. He has largely operated behind the club's front line since, but has struggled to command a regular starting role this season.