Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is now starting to learn who he can rely on, but one of his favourites has decided he would prefer to leave the club in the summer.
Spurs have received a boost in their battle to remain in the Premier League over the last few weeks, seeing an upturn in performances since De Zerbi arrived at the club.
Tottenham are currently two points above the relegation zone with just two games remaining, following their 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Monday night.
If they seal their place in next season's Premier League, attention will then quickly turn to the summer transfer window, where a host of players are likely to want to leave.
With Spurs not playing in Europe next time, we could see some of their key stars head for the exit door.
De Zerbi Favourite Wants to Leave Tottenham
According to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham midfielder Joao Palhinha, who has become a favourite under De Zerbi in recent weeks, could now snub a permanent move to the north London club.
It's claimed that the Portuguese international would prefer to return to his home country for personal reasons, with a move to Sporting CP mooted.
The report suggests that Palhinha will be sold by Bayern Munich this summer, but his next move will be up to him, despite Tottenham having an option to buy him.
De Zerbi is believed to be a big admirer of the midfielder, but his future is now out of Spurs' hands.
De Zerbi Wants Palhinha to Stay
De Zerbi spoke before Spurs' game against Leeds on Monday, and he was asked about the future of Palhinha, who is only at Tottenham on loan at the moment.
The former Marseille manager confirmed that he wants the 30-year-old to stay at the club, suggesting that Palhinha is one of their best players.
“One hundred per cent [he wants Palhinha to stay]. We have to start from this type of people. More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy. I want to see the players with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit, the same personality, and we are lucky to have Palhinha with us.”
Spurs have the option to buy Palhinha from Bayern Munich for a fee in the region of 26 million, but the Portuguese star will have the final say as to whether he joins the club.