Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to open permanent talks to sign an "incredible" star, who could be their first signing in the January transfer window.
Spurs looking to sign midfielder
Tottenham have made a solid start to the campaign, taking 10 points from their opening five games, with a number of their summer signings hitting the ground running, including Mohammed Kudus, who grabbed two assists against Brighton on Saturday.
Having set up four goals in his first five matches, Kudus has already eclipsed his assist tally from last season, and the winger is not the only new addition who has caught the eye, with Joao Palhinha making an instant impression.
After his side edged a 1-0 win against Villarreal, manager Thomas Frank said of the central midfielder: "He's a very good player. He stabilised us more in the middle of the pitch. So that helped, definitely ... [The players] are working very hard, and that we have a very good foundation to stand on, in terms of our defensive organization.
Consequently, it will come as no surprise that Spurs are now looking to sign Palhinha permanently, according to a report from The Boot Room, which states they are keen to open talks over a deal for the midfielder this January.
The north Londoners have been very impressed by the maestro's start to the campaign, and they are now set to hold discussions over a deal, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey adding: "He’s exactly what they expected. When he left, he was already one of the Premier League’s best holding midfielders. Watching Palhinha play in that position probably frustrates Manchester United fans, knowing he was available and could have joined them.
"I fully expect discussions about a permanent deal to begin in January once the transfer window opens."
"Incredible" Palhinha must be signed permanently
On the face of it, a deal shouldn't be too hard to complete, given that Spurs have the option to make the central midfielder's stay permanent for £27m, which seems like a very fair fee for a player of his quality.
Journalist Kyle Bonn has spoken particularly fondly of the 30-year-old in the past, praising his passing, work-rate and tackling ability.
Those talents are underlined by the former Fulham man's performance across several key metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
With a 7.2 SofaScore match rating, the loanee was also Spurs' highest-rated starter in the 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, courtesy of winning 10 of the 16 duels he contested.
As such, it is a no-brainer to bring Palhinha in permanently, and Frank will be hoping for a similar performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend.