Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shown interest in a highly sought after midfielder, but his rumoured transfer fee could prevent a January deal from taking place.
Tottenham Hotspur made an excellent deal with Bayern Munich in the summer to bring Joao Palhinha to North London. The tough tackler has become one of Thomas Frank’s most important players, contributing both goals and defensive brilliance in the heart of midfield.
Spurs could look to sign another pivot midfielder when the transfer window reopens. In fact, Tottenham have been linked with Morten Hjulmand since the beginning of this year.
It was recently reported that Spurs are leading the race to sign the Sporting CP player, despite interest from clubs across Europe.
Tottenham suffer blow in Morten Hjulmand pursuit
Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, have delivered an update on Hjulmand and it is not good news for Tottenham.
Sporting are interested in bringing in new arrivals in January. However, there are no plans to sell any members of their first-team squad, including the midfielder, who is seen as a main asset.
Any potential January sale of Hjulmand is viewed as non-negotiable and he has a £71m release clause in his contract, which Sporting do not expect any club to pay midway through the season.
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Despite this, there could be ‘greater openness’ for a deal next summer, so Spurs could still have a chance of signing the 26-year-old further down the line.
Tottenham must prioritise their attacking needs
Spurs would likely benefit from signing another midfielder, but there are far greater needs in the Tottenham first-team squad, particularly on the left wing.
Frank already has Palhinha and Archie Gray, while Yves Bissouma is still at the club after his move to Turkey fell through last summer.
Spending £70m in an area where there is no pressing need is not a sensible option and Tottenham must focus mainly on seucring a new player in attack.