Richarlison AXED from Tottenham's Premier League squad by Roberto De Zerbi: Wantaway star left out as he pushes to join Mo Salah in Turkey after Everton transfer saga and cryptic social media messages

Tottenham have axed Richarlison from their Premier League squad but a proposed move to Trabzonspor has yet to be completed.

The Brazilian international forward, who has one year remaining on his Spurs contract with the option for another year, is a transfer target for the Turkish Super Lig club who shocked football earlier this summer by signing Mohamed Salah on a free transfer.

Turkey's transfer deadline is on Friday, and Richarlison is understood to be keen to make the move to link up with Salah and Fabinho, another former Liverpool favourite and a former Brazil team-mate.

Spurs however have yet to receive a bid they consider acceptable. They valued the 29-year-old at £35million in a deal set up with Everton for £65m Iliman Ndiaye last weekend.

Richarlison was told in advance of Tuesday's transfer deadline that he was not part of Roberto De Zerbi's plans for this season and could leave for the right price.

After omitting him from the squad beaten by Newcastle on Saturday, De Zerbi said the former Watford and Everton striker signed for £60m in 2022 had asked to leave 'too many times'.

When Spurs confirmed their Premier League squad on Thursday, there was a place for Xavi Simons despite a serious knee injury which is expected to rule him out until next year, and for Dejan Kulusevski who has not played for 19 months since a serious knee operation but is back in training.

There is also a place for Wilson Odobert, also out with a serious knee injury, is also included although now classifies as a homegrown player.

Richarlison issued cryptic messages on his social media channels earlier this week as the possibility of a return to Everton emerged as part of a trade with Ndiaye, who ended up signing for Manchester City on deadline day.

The Brazilian posted a picture on Instagram of a slogan saying: 'I am the villain of many poorly told stories.'

He then added: 'If Spurs and Everton reach an agreement, I'll return to my beloved club. My intention was indeed to go back to the place where I was very happy. But the negotiations weren't going the way people wanted, and it won't be that way anymore. Despite all this turmoil, I have a contract with Spurs and I'll be available to the club'

Only after the English transfer deadline passed did the possibility of a move to Trabzonspor emerge.

Reports from Turkey claimed personal terms had been agreed with the player and that bids had been made, although Spurs rejected any such bids had been received.

By leaving him out of the squad, the pressure is back on Trabzonspor to strike a deal with Spurs.