Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow in the transfer market after it emerged that one star Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep has already agreed terms with another club.
Spurs avoided relegation on the final day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win over Everton, and are now looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the World Cup to ensure that scenario isn't repeated next season.
De Zerbi has already green-lit deals for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who will join on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively once their contracts expire, but he now looks set to lose a key member of the squad that helped them earn survival.
Palhinha Reaches Agreement With Sporting CP
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Spurs loanee Joao Palhinha has already reached an agreement with former club Sporting CP about a return to his homeland this summer.
The holding midfielder, who scored vital goals against Wolves and Everton in the battle for survival, spent the season on loan from Bayern Munich, and the Lilywhites hold the option to make the move permanent, with De Zerbi previously admitting that he wanted to keep the Portugal international at the club, having described him as 'one of the best'.
It's understood that Palhinha is also open to staying at the north London club, but with Spurs unsure about triggering the clause, it has allowed Sporting to enter the race to take the 30-year-old back to Lisbon, and they have now agreed personal terms with him.
Sporting haven't closed a deal though, as they still need to negotiate a fee with Bayern Munich. It's reported that Sporting would prefer to strike a deal for a loan with an option to buy, and negotiations are ongoing with the Bundesliga giants about whether that is possible.
Spurs Plans Take Massive Hit
While Palhinha isn't the most exciting signing around, he proved his worth at the back end of the season with his performances on the pitch and his leadership qualities.
He managed to change the mind of De Zerbi and became a key player. So for De Zerbi to enter the new season without him, having openly admitted that he wants him to stay at the club would be a major blow to the team, but also to their plans for the summer window.
In what is likely to be a hugely busy transfer market anyway, Spurs have lots of areas to address, and they won't have been planning on replacing him, which makes their task that little bit more difficult ahead of a hugely important season.