It is getting progressively harder for Tottenham Hotspur to deliver Roberto De Zerbi’s preference of signing Joao Palhinha permanently this summer.
De Zerbi has made it clear that he wants Palhinha at Spurs next season, after the midfielder delivered vital contributions over recent weeks in the Lilywhites’ fight for survival.
However, Tottenham’s efforts to land the midfielder could be thwarted by the 30-year-old’s former club, if reports over recent days are to be believed.
It has emerged that Sporting Lisbon are set to challenge Spurs for Palhinha’s signature, with the Portuguese club keen to bring their former academy graduate back where he started his career.
‘Growing possibility’ that Joao Palhinha could snub Tottenham transfer
A new report in TEAMtalk has now claimed that the midfielder has already been informed that there is a place for him at Tottenham next season.
The report states that De Zerbi is a ‘huge admirer’ of Palhinha’s experience, tactical discipline and leadership qualities.
The Spurs head coach has already made it clear to the Tottenham hierarchy that he wants the former Fulham man to remain at N17.
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However, the outlet states that Sporting CB are ‘extremely interested’ in re-signing Palhinha and view him as ‘an ideal figure’ to bolster their midfield.
The report adds that there ‘remains a growing possibility’ that the midfielder could now consider a return to his homeland this summer.
Two other clubs have also entered the race to land Palhinha
TEAMtalk allege that Sporting are not alone in expressing interest in the Tottenham man, with Benfica and Porto also monitoring the player’s situation closely ahead of the summer window.
All three clubs are said to believe that Palhinha could become available under the right circumstances and would welcome a return to his home country.
Over the coming weeks, the 30-year-old is expected to ‘assess all options carefully’ as interest from Portugal intensifies.