TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur already have their eye on their first January signing, with the North London club keen to commence talks.
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a successful summer transfer window, with Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani, Joao Palhinha and Kota Takai their five new additions.
Thomas Frank’s team have made an impressive start to the season, winning four of their first five matches and conceding just once.
But plans are already in place to go strong in the next transfer window in a few months’ time, and Spurs are already prepared for talks to begin.
Exclusive: Tottenham ready for January talks to sign Joao Palhinha
Tottenham are expected to hold January talks to sign Palhinha, having been so impressed by the midfielder in the early stages, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.
The 30-year-old has brought quality and experience to Spurs’ midfield, which is exactly why the Portuguese star was brought to North London.
Tottenham can sign Palhinha for £27m, and they could start setting the wheels in motion to ensure his services are secured ahead of next summer.
Bailey told TBR Football: “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.
“To make matters worse, he would have been exactly what United needed. But yes, he’s absolutely top class. I fully expect discussions about a permanent deal to begin in January once the transfer window opens.
The midfielder has proven to be a real coup for the Lilywhites, with Micah Richards shocked Bayern let Palhinha join Tottenham.
“They may even try to finalise the permanent deal sooner. He’s very happy in London, and I don’t see him moving elsewhere. Tottenham are fortunate that there’s really no other club in London that could challenge them,” added Bailey.
“We’ve seen players like Christian Norgaard move to Arsenal, but he’s on another level: an absolute top-class player, a Rolls-Royce of a footballer. From what I hear, he’s as good as they claim. He hasn’t had a holiday in Germany, but he also hasn’t put any unnecessary strain on himself there.
“Since returning, he hasn’t missed a beat. Tottenham are thrilled with him, they genuinely believe they have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and it seems they do.”
Joao Palhinha on his time at Tottenham so far
Palhinha has admitted that he is loving life at Tottenham and feels like he has quickly settled back into life in London.
Palhinha told Hayters TV: “Yeah, I think so, it’s new for me in this environment, I love to be back in England. I always enjoyed playing here, to feel the atmosphere here.
“As I said, I just want to enjoy and if it’s possible, win every single game. We know that we will have tough moments, that’s football, but I think the passion and the effort need to be there always.”
The 30-year-old was rested for Spurs’ 1-0 win over Villarreal during midweek, but has already become a key part of Frank’s side in North London.