Portuguese sources have now shared a big transfer update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha.
The Lowdown: Lilywhites in mix…
The defensive midfielder with a £50 million release clause has been at the centre of interest from Spurs in recent weeks, according to reports.
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It is believed that Antonio Conte’s side are firmly in the mix to sign Palhinha this summer as transfer chief Fabio Paratici seemingly still holds a real interest in bringing him to north London.
Following on from their interest last year, the Premier League top-four chasers seem to have their eyes on Sporting’s touch-tackling gem as O Jogo (via Sport Witness) now share a big update.
The Latest: Spurs ‘in front row’…
The newspaper’s sources (translated by SW) claim that Conte and co are in the ‘front row’ for Palhinha’s signing as Spurs enter pole position – with O Jogo going on to add that he should leave Sporting at the end of 2021/2022.
In a further boost, not only will his club have to sell for less than the player’s £50m clause, but they may even have to settle for a fee lower than the ‘€35m (£29.9m) or €40m (£34m)’ they had originally hoped for.
The Verdict: Get it done…
Tottenham’s manager reportedly has his sights on two new midfield additions in the next window and we believe Palhinha could be a seriously credible candidate.
According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old holds his own as a defensive anchor, making a brilliant three tackles per 90 on average in the Portuguese top flight – far more than anyone in Sporting’s squad.
He’s also one of their most fouled players every game, standing out as a frustrating opponent Conte would surely love, leaving little wonder members of the press have branded Palhinha a ‘sensational’ player (Josh Bunting, Islington Gazette).
The international ace may well be a fruitful source of quality and gamesmanship for Conte.
In other news: Offer ready: Paratici sets sights on ‘very Spursy signing’ for Conte at Tottenham! Find out more here.