Joao Palhinha has been a reliable presence since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich last summer.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is keen on keeping the Portugal international (37 caps) beyond this summer, a point he has reiterated more than once.
However, Tottenham face serious competition, as his former club Sporting CP have opened talks about signing him.
They can offer him Champions League football, which Spurs cannot, and that could sway his decision.
He is reportedly focused on Tottenham, but the club needs to act quickly if it is going to tie him down.
Palhinha came in to plug the big gaping hole in front of Tottenham’s defence and did so well, despite his limitations.
He is solid at protecting the backline and breaking up play. The 30-year-old also has a knack for scoring important goals.
If De Zerbi has asked Spurs to keep him, then they must do everything they can to fend off interest from Portugal and sign him permanently.
Tottenham still need another defensive midfielder
Tottenham still need a younger, equally solid, but more progressive holding midfielder in the ranks.
Yves Bissouma should be on his way out of the club this summer, and Tottenham could use another number six. Andrey Santos is an option.
The Chelsea man was recently omitted from the Brazilian World Cup squad after struggling to make consistent appearances throughout the season.
Tottenham should capitalise on this opportunity and place themselves at the front of the queue. He is a talented midfielder who needs consistent playing time.
De Zerbi could mould him into a world-beater that dominates midfield battles on the grandest stages.