Richarlison is entering the decisive hours of his Tottenham future as Vasco da Gama race to complete a deal before the Brazilian transfer window closes tonight.

Vasco have continued speaking to both Spurs and the player, but there has still been no agreement, and the deadline in Brazil is 11.59pm local time, leaving little room for another setback.

The Rio club initially explored taking Richarlison until the end of the Brazilian season.

The forward was apparently receptive to that short stay and agreed terms, but Tottenham could not approve another overseas loan after reaching FIFA’s limit of six international temporary moves.

That forced Vasco to consider buying him instead, with their first proposal reportedly worth around £9 million for half of his rights and rejected out of hand by Spurs.

Later reports in Brazil claimed Vasco had assembled an improved package containing £13 million in guaranteed payments and another £4 million in bonuses.

Still, no deal has been agreed yet and the clubs are believed to still be working to find common ground as the clock ticks down.

Richarlison’s preferred length of stay has also required discussion.

The 29-year-old was initially attracted by the chance to play for the club he supported as a boy until December, preserving his freedom to assess overseas options in January.

Vasco, however, have also considered a much longer agreement.

There is little doubt about the consequences if nothing happens. Roberto De Zerbi left Richarlison out of Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad after the striker made his wish to leave clear during preseason.

He has spent time away from the senior group, although he joined the first team warm up before training on Thursday.

However, that hasn't altered his registration status or restore an obvious route into De Zerbi’s plans, with claims since emerging that Richarlison is actively looking to terminate his deal and leave as a free agent.

Richarlison makes damning Tottenham accusation in bid to terminate deal

Now, according to Diogo Dantas of O Globo, Richarlison’s representatives notified Tottenham last Saturday that they were pursuing a release under Article 14, paragraph two, of FIFA’s transfer regulations.

The legal route has reportedly been prepared as a fallback if Tottenham refuse Vasco’s offer, but the complaint is founded around alleged “abusive conduct”, with Richarlison’s camp building their case on that damning accusation via the FIFA rules.

They are also said to believe that taking him out of Premier League contention and making him work away from De Zerbi’s main squad crossed the line from a football decision into improper treatment.

His lawyers are reportedly seeking termination with just cause, which would allow him to leave without paying compensation to Tottenham.

He could then sign for Vasco without the Brazilian club paying a transfer fee.

That would represent a major financial blow for Spurs, with Richarlison’s current contract running until the summer of 2027, including the option to extend it for another year.

How Tottenham have reacted to Richarlison dispute

Tottenham strongly dispute the player’s case.

O Globo reports that the club believe his squad omission followed his refusal to complete a proposed return to Everton and his earlier decision to seek a move away.

Spurs have not agreed to cancel the contract by mutual consent.

The report also states that Richarlison’s side are not relying upon Article 15, the separate “sporting just cause” provision linked to a player appearing in fewer than 10% of his club’s games.

An allegation is not the same as a FIFA ruling and Tottenham will have the opportunity to defend their position.

However, the timing adds enormous pressure, with UOL reporting that any contract termination would have to be registered before Friday’s deadline for Vasco to benefit during this window.