There has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s stance regarding a permanent move for Joao Palhinha after Roberto De Zerbi made it clear that he wants the midfielder to stay at the club.
Until recent weeks, it was reported that there was uncertainty over whether Spurs would activate the option to buy Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich this summer.
However, the experienced midfielder has made crucial contributions over recent weeks amid Tottenham’s battle for survival in the Premier League.
De Zerbi has admitted that he loves Palhinha’s mentality, and following Tottenham’s win over Aston Villa, the Spurs boss made it clear that he wants to keep the Portugal international at N17 next season.
Tottenham want Joao Palhinha at a discount despite Roberto De Zerbi’s desire
Over the last few days, reports from Portugal have suggested that Sporting Lisbon could challenge Spurs for Palhinha’s signature this summer.
A new report in O Jogo (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now shed light on Tottenham’s transfer plans while discussing Sporting’s pursuit of the midfielder.
It is revealed that Palhinha is one of the pillars that De Zerbi wants to build his team around next season, with the 46-year-old expected to push Spurs to complete the transfer.
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The outlet claims that Tottenham’s option to buy Palhinha is worth €30m (£25.8m) including add-ons, as per their loan agreement with Bayern.
However, even before the start of the negotiations, the Premier League side have made it clear to the Bundesliga giants that they want the price to be lowered in order to complete the deal.
Why Sporting Lisbon are hoping for Spurs’ relegation
O Jogo claim that De Zerbi’s men will only open formal talks with Bayern about the 30-year-old after they secure their Premier League status.
It is explained that Palhinha will not fit into Spurs’ financial and sporting plans if the club get relegated to the Championship.
The publication suggests that Sporting’s hopes of bringing the midfielder back to Portugal would increase significantly if Tottenham go down.