Richarlison’s time at Tottenham looks increasingly likely to end in a mess.

The Brazil international appeared to be heading back to Everton earlier this week, four years after leaving Merseyside for north London.

Tottenham and Everton held talks over separate deals which would have taken Richarlison to the Hill Dickinson Stadium and brought Iliman Ndiaye in the opposite direction.

Reports suggested an agreement between the clubs was close, but the proposed return broke down before Tuesday’s deadline.

That late twist left Richarlison at Tottenham and prompted an angry social media message from the forward. He made it clear that he wanted control over his own career and called for his situation to be handled with respect.

Trabzonspor then offered an escape route.

The Turkish club have reportedly agreed personal terms with Richarlison on a contract which would treble his Tottenham salary. However, Spurs are said to have rejected proposals worth £15 million and £20 million.

Turkey’s transfer window remains open until 22:00 tonight, giving the two clubs limited time to find a compromise. Trabzonspor want a striker and Richarlison is understood to be their priority.

Tottenham’s stance has already been made clear in another way. The 29-year-old was omitted from their 25-man Premier League squad on Thursday, despite finishing as their leading scorer last season.

Dominic Solanke remains at the club, while Omar Marmoush arrived from Man City to strengthen Roberto De Zerbi’s options through the middle.

Richarlison therefore faces the prospect of being unable to play league football until January if his proposed move to Turkey also collapses.

Roberto De Zerbi points finger at Richarlison with Tottenham statement

De Zerbi has now addressed the uncertainty ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

Asked about interest from Turkey and whether Richarlison could still depart, the Spurs boss simply said that he's unsure of the current situation, but reveals the South American rejected an offer to leave before deadline day.

The previous proposal mentioned by De Zerbi may have been the failed Everton move.

His comments also suggest there has been no shift in Richarlison’s place within the squad. De Zerbi had already revealed that the striker expressed a desire to leave during pre-season, leading Tottenham to make other plans in attack.

There is still some confusion over whether Trabzonspor have submitted an acceptable formal bid. Reports in Turkey claim negotiations are continuing, but De Zerbi insists that side of the situation is being handled above him.

A deal remains possible while the Turkish market is open, particularly with Richarlison said to be willing to make the move.

If no agreement is struck, however, Tottenham will be left paying a senior striker who cannot feature in the Premier League.

Richarlison may then have to wait until January to secure the fresh start he has been seeking.