Tottenham are at risk of missing out on a deal to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal this summer, as a rival to the midfielder's signature has arrived on the scene.
Spurs are seemingly keen on a return for Palhinha, after the Portuguese star left quite the impression during his loan spell with the club over the past season.
While the side lacked plenty of quality in the central ranks, the 30-year-old brought grit and determination with his arrival from Bayern Munich, and plenty of ability out of possession.
The former Fulham man also threw in a couple of important goals during his time, helping Tottenham avoid relegation into the Championship on the final day of the campaign.
While there was a £26 million clause in Palhinha's deal, Spurs decided against triggering it, but reports claim that the side have been pushing to sign the midfielder at a reduced fee.
While that may seem like smart business, they are now at risk of missing out altogether.
Joao Palhinha Transfer Risk
While Tottenham have shown interest in a return for Palhinha, a report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that another team are now in the mix for his signature.
It's stated that Portuguese side Sporting CP are hoping to seal a return for the midfielder, who came through the club's ranks and made just shy of 100 appearances with before leaving for the Premier League.
That deal comes as part of a wider transfer thread, as Atletico Madrid look to seal a move for Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand in their midfield.
Palhinha is viewed as the replacement for Hjulmand, creating a transfer domino effect that is starting to fall in favour of the midfielder returning to Portugal.
That means Tottenham are at risk of missing out on a player who has been described as "best in the world" and 'one of the best' by De Zerbi with his ability in the middle of the park.
It remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites will step up their transfer interest as a result, or whether they will regret not triggering the release clause in the original deal with Bayern Munich.
Tottenham Midfield Refresh
There is no denying that Palhinha was key to digging Tottenham out of the mess the club found itself in at the latter end of the season, hence why so many fans liked the passion and determination the midfielder showed.
However, his role in the struggle Spurs faced cannot be removed from the campaign as a result, as he also played a part in the issues the team faced.
On the ball, Palhinha wasn't as comfortable building from the back, with De Zerbi often shifting him into the full-back areas when in settled possession.
His off the ball quality could be useful, but Tottenham need a full midfield refresh with players who offer more quality when receiving the ball from the backline.
Losing Palhinha could be a blow in one area, but a chance to rebuild the squad in another way, one that focuses less on athleticism and more on quality.