Tottenham Hotspur have identified a third summer transfer target alongside Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, but they face a hurdle in their bid to sign him, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
On the pitch, Tottenham are approaching their biggest match in almost a year as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday.
Given Spurs' current situation in the Premier League, it is mad to think they became Europa League champions less than 12 months ago.
A year on, they are in the relegation zone and two points from safety with five league games left to play, the first of which is against Wolves this weekend.
The relegation of the Premier League's bottom side was confirmed last weekend, and they will be plying their trade in the Championship next term.
Tottenham's objective is to avoid joining them and Burnley in England's second tier, as they battle West Ham United and Nottingham Forest for the final spot in the drop zone.
Roberto De Zerbi and his men have to win against Rob Edwards' side, delivering their first Premier League win since December in the process, otherwise it's difficult to see them staying up.
Tottenham Encounter Joao Palhinha Deal Hurdle
Tottenham's recruitment team are busy ahead of the summer transfer window, despite not knowing which division the club will be playing in next season.
The north London club are aiming high though, and they already have an agreement in principle for Robertson to join on a free transfer following the expiry of his Liverpool contract.
They also have a similar agreement with Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, although both deals depend on Spurs preserving their Premier League status.
According to Plettenberg, posting on X, Tottenham are also happy with loanee Joao Palhinha and can imagine signing him permanently this summer.
However, they want to renegotiate the terms of the deal for the Portugal international, who cost Bayern Munich an initial £42m when he joined from Fulham.
The original option to buy agreed between the two clubs was worth around £26m, including potential add-ons, but Spurs are keen to renegotiate the terms.
If Bayern are unwilling to do that, then a purchase is unlikely.
Rollercoaster Season for Palhinha at Tottenham
The latest update on Palhinha's and Tottenham's situation makes complete sense given how this season has gone.
The 30-year-old began the season strongly in Spurs' midfield, but has faded and had questions marks raised over the level of his performances, like many of his teammates.
He has found starts harder to come by in recent weeks, but he still has great experience at Premier League level so it is no surprise that Tottenham would be keen for him to have a full pre-season under De Zerbi.
But it is also not surprising that the north Londoners would want to drive the price down too given how his showings have declined as the campaign has gone on, as they look to make sensible additions ahead of next season.
Like Robertson and Senesi, Tottenham would surely only engage in serious talks for Palhinha if they remain in the Premier League.
It will be a big few weeks ahead for everyone at the club.