Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost for the summer transfer window after it emerged that Joao Palhinha has made joining them his priority, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Spurs have already agreed deals to sign Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi this summer on a free transfer, with Roberto De Zerbi desperate to add some leadership and quality to his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation.
But the Italian is also looking to keep several key stars with his squad to keep some stability and continuity, and that includes Palhinha.
Palhinha Gives Tottenham Priority for Transfer
Palhinha, who has been described as 'world-class', spent last season with Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich, and scored vital goals to keep the club in the Premier League, including the winner on the final day of the season against Everton.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Portugal international is set to leave Bayern permanently this summer, with terms agreed over a deal to see him return to Sporting CP, while they continue to negotiate with the Bundesliga club.
But Romano now reports that the 30-year-old midfielder is giving Tottenham his priority ahead of a potential return to the club, as he has a fantastic relationship with De Zerbi.
Spurs are yet to make a final decision on whether they want to keep him at the club permanently, despite the manager confirming that he is a big fan of the player. Should they opt to trigger their buy option, or find an agreement with Bayern, then the player will stay in north London.
However, if they decide against it, then Sporting CP are ready to make their interest concrete and take him back to Lisbon.
Tottenham Should Keep Palhinha Around
Spurs are planning for a very busy, and important summer transfer window. But while there may well be big changes on the horizon, De Zerbi will be aware that wholesale changes are not necessarily a good thing.
Palhinha has experience at the highest level, is in the prime of his career and clearly cares about the club and where they want to be. That's the type of character De Zerbi needs in his squad if he wants to take them back up the table and playing European football.
A deal is there to be done, with all parties clearly interested in making it happen. So if it doesn't, then the only people to blame will be the Lewis Family.