Sport Witness

Tottenham may still want to keep João Palhinha permanently. However, the growing mood in Portugal is that the midfielder is already planning his way out of north London.

That feeling is becoming stronger with every new report around Sporting’s summer rebuild.

According to A Bola, the Lisbon side are already shaping their next midfield around the expectation Palhinha could arrive this summer. As they put it, Sporting’s midfield next season will be “Palhinha and a new six”.

Sporting now planning around Palhinha

The report explain Sporting want another defensive midfielder to pair with Palhinha. In other words, the club’s planning is treating his return as a done deal.

Real Betis player Sergi Altimira and Hacken youngster Silas Andersen are both on the shortlist to be that ‘number six’.

The report also states a loan with an option to buy currently looks like the most realistic formula financially for Sporting.

Player willing to help move happen

Palhinha’s stance continues to encourage the Portuguese side.

Both A Bola and Correio da Manhã also claim the midfielder is even willing to lower his salary to facilitate a return to Sporting this summer. In addition, family reasons are again presented as a major factor behind his thinking.

But none of this means Tottenham have given up. De Zerbi still wants Palhinha as part of his project and, if the player agrees, Spurs should remain favourites to sign him permanently.

There is also another factor at play. A Bola says Palhinha do not want to openly discuss leaving Tottenham before the club secured Premier League survival.

The midfielder reportedly felt it would be unfair to create instability while Spurs were still fighting near the bottom of the table.

However, as we previously covered, there are talks already being held by the players representatives. Probably, their aim is to lay out the possible transfer scenarios with the Portuguese side. Afterwards, those pathways can be presented to the player at the end of the season.

Now, though, the situation appears to be moving faster. And in Portugal, the story is increasingly being framed as a return already being actively built behind the scenes.

If Tottenham Hotspur fans want a sporting director who stands up and makes himself accountable, then Markus Krösche may be their man.

BILD report on the 46-year-old today, and how he recently put his hands up and apologise in front of 600 Eintracht Frankfurt employees.

Accountability

The newspaper explains that this season has been a particularly bad one for Eintracht Frankfurt. In fact, it was one of the weakest in ten years.

They made an early exit from the cup, suffered heavy defeat in the Champions League and only finished eighth in the Bundesliga. The latter means they won’t be in Europe for the first time since 2020.

Added to all this chaos was managerial change, with the Bundesliga club going through two different managers. And there’s a feeling that some players have stagnated or declined, while transfers haven’t worked.

Markus Krösche sees first setback

And the focus is on Markus Krösche. It’s seen as his first set back at the club in his five years there so far. The sporting director had been celebrated as a transfer king but this season, it’s all gone wrong.

Rather than hiding in the background, he’s stood up and took the blame. BILD explain that during a recent meeting of all Eintracht Frankfurt employees in their stadium’s foyer, Markus Krösche stood up and apologised for a ‘disastrous season’.

That’s a rare gesture in the ‘cutthroat world of professional football’, to say the least. And one, according to BILD, that ‘demonstrates tremendous character’. The newspaper reports that employees and fellow board members were left ‘deeply impressed’.

Tottenham take note

And such news should be of extreme interest to Tottenham. Reports over the last few weeks have placed Markus Krösche firmly in their eye-line.

Spurs are reportedly seeking a new director of football for next season, and Krösche is a name that reports have linked almost every single time. He was also linked with Tottenham in 2023, reportedly turning them down at the time to remain in Frankfurt.

Now the hunt is back on, he could be the ideal man, particularly from a fan point of view. Spurs want accountability and people running their club who will own up to their mistakes. Krösche is already doing that in Germany, and such candour would likely be welcomed in London.

Inter Milan have their eye on Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic, as they look to bolster their title winning side for next season.

Corriere dello Sport report that the Italian champions are being ambitious this summer and eyeing a move for the Tottenham youngster.

Inter Milan plans

The newspaper explains that, following a league and cup double this season, Inter are now pushing ahead with plans for the future. A meeting with manager Christian Chivu has already been scheduled with the club’s management.

They want him to put pen to paper on a contract renewal, before then turning to transfer business. The Italian side want to strengthen and have some wildcards up their sleeves.

Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic is one of them. He’s impressed on loan at Hamburg this season but will return to Spurs in the summer.

He, reportedly, wants to move on whether they stay in the Premier League or are relegated. The biggest clubs around Europe have all been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old.

Now Inter Milan can be added to the list. They want him to form a part of a new look back three, playing on the right. Ronald Araujo at Barcelona is another target.

Tottenham need convincing

But neither Tottenham nor Barcelona will sanction a cheap exit. The two clubs are ‘aiming high’, with both players valued at over €50m. Those two are not the only ones on the list, but they are the ones that Inter would like.

Whether Tottenham will sanction a deal, remains to be seen. All indications are that they would like to speak to Luka Vuskovic first this summer.

With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven reportedly looking to leave, Vuskovic could be a ready-made replacement to fill the gap. But it seems Inter want to attempt to stop that happening.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon has had a mixed time at Fiorentina. As the season comes to an end, he is keen on making a decisive mark for the club.

He has two Serie A goals and an assist, playing a role in taking them away from the bottom three. The Spurs man also started and did well against Juventus at the weekend, helping Fiorentina to a vital victory.

This recent run of form came after he missed a month’s action due a muscle injury. Sport Witness covered how these physical worries were causing concerns over his permanent purchase, even if Tottenham need only €7m to sell.

The Israel international is keen on proving that he is worth the money, as La Viola make a final decision.

Solomon keen to do all he can

Corriere dello Sport report that the winger is ‘playing for redemption’ and a possible buyout. With a game to go, he is keen to impress and convince the Fiorentina management that he is worth €7m.

The report clarifies that in February, Fiorentina were convinced about a permanent deal. Then, injuries started haunting the Tottenham player again, raising familiar question marks that were also evident during his loan at Villarreal.

La Viola are currently inclined to not signing him but all hope isn’t lost. Solomon wants to do very well against Atalanta at the weekend. A win can lift the club as high as 12th in the table, if things go right.

Fiorentina, meantime, know that Tottenham don’t need the winger and this can play a key role in the summer.

Fiorentina should lower price

Tottenham aren’t keen on keeping hold of Solomon. They signed him for free and anything they earn will go down as a capital gain. Even if they earn €5m from his exit, it would be a bonus of sorts for them.

Fabio Paratici knows that and will try to take advantage of the situation.

It is fair to question Solomon’s fitness, which has been questioned since he picked up a serious knee injury not long ago. But in Serie A, he has shown an ability to contribute goals and even if he contributes to around ten goals a season, paying €5m for a permanent deal makes a lot of sense.

Tottenham are moving closer to Premier League survival, but that may not automatically secure João Palhinha’s long-term future after all.

For weeks, the expectation around Spurs was relatively straightforward. Roberto De Zerbi wanted to keep the midfielder, Tottenham held a €30m (£25.8m) purchase option from Bayern Munich, and Palhinha had become one of the club’s most important players during a difficult season.

However, the story in Portugal is now evolving into something far more complicated for Tottenham.

Tottenham cannot complete deal alone

According to A Bola, talks between Palhinha and Sporting’s hierarchy are already advancing ‘at a good pace’ behind the scenes.

And the key detail is that, even if Tottenham survive and try to activate the clause, the player himself may still have the decisive word.

The Portuguese outlet explain Tottenham’s option agreement with Bayern still depends on full approval from all three parties involved – Bayern, Spurs and Palhinha himself.

“If João Palhinha says no, the decision will be irrevocable.” That sentence alone changes the tone of this saga.

Up until now, Tottenham’s purchase clause had largely been viewed as giving them full control. Instead, the Portuguese press are increasingly framing this as a situation where the midfielder’s personal wishes may ultimately outweigh everything else.

And Sporting are clearly acting accordingly. The Lisbon side are already planning Palhinha’s possible return in detail.

If the move happens permanently, Sporting would reportedly offer him a three-year contract, captaincy responsibilities and a major leadership role inside the dressing room.

Family factor becoming impossible to ignore

The family angle continues to grow stronger too.

Recent reports already revealed Palhinha rejected approaches from major Turkish clubs because he wants to remain close to his family. Now A Bola describe the pull back towards Lisbon as “irresistible”.

Despite privately leaning towards a return, Palhinha reportedly refused to communicate any desire to leave Tottenham before the club’s survival was mathematically secured. The midfielder did not want to create instability while Spurs were still fighting relegation.

That stance is being presented in Portugal as a matter of professional ethics rather than hesitation over Sporting.

Meanwhile, Sporting’s side of the operation is being led by director Bernardo Morais Palmeiro, who reportedly has an excellent relationship with Palhinha’s family after previously helping oversee the midfielder’s move from Fulham to Bayern Munich.

Tottenham are still very much in this race. De Zerbi remains a huge admirer and wants Palhinha central to next season’s project. But the feeling in Portugal now is this is no longer just about clauses, fees or negotiations between clubs.

The player himself increasingly looks like the person who may decide how the story ends.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, Leeds United are all in the picture to sign AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott in the summer.

The striker spent seven years at Tottenham and left them for the Eredivisie side in 2024.

Back in February, the striker said he snubbed Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celtic to join Spurs in 2017.

The north London club and David Moyes’ side are looking at the 24-year-old again, and Leeds United have now joined the chase.

Parrott managed 20 goals and five assists from 47 matches in his debut season for AZ. He starred this season, scoring 31 goals and contributing 12 assists from 48 matches.

This includes a goal and assist in the KNVB Cup final win over NEC Nijmegen, which saw his side qualify for the Europa League.

Tottenham, Everton and Leeds United keen

The Republic of Ireland international’s impressive performances for AZ Alkmaar over the past two years haven’t gone unnoticed.

That’s according to Dutch source Soccer News, who report ‘there is interest’ from Tottenham Hotspur. Everton, Leeds United and AC Milan are also in the mix to see if they can try and secure his services. That’s all the report has to say about the Premier League trio.

Troy Parrott, for his part, insists he’s ready to take the next step in his career. Speaking to ESPN NL, he expressed his desire to play at the highest level.

“If this was the last match, I have had the best two years of my life. The club ensured that I could make progress. It is important for me to take the next step in my career and to play at the highest level,” he said.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are fighting to avoid relegation, and this will be key for them to stand a chance to sign the frontman again. The player has no preference on his next club.

“No, I don’t. I have no wishes and no dreams regarding my next destination,” Parrott explained.

Contract, value and agent info

Troy Parrott’s contract expires in 2029 and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is €22m. A fee around this region would be needed to convince AZ Alkmaar.

British agency Unique Sports Group represent the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

Shakhtar Donetsk signed Isaque last year and the Brazilian is already attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.

The attacking midfielder contributed to 14 goals in his first season in Ukraine.

Quickly, his stature has grown and the teenager has also played twice for the Brazil U20s. He found the net in his second game, starting in his debut against Paraguay U20s side.

Now, attention around the youngster is growing, as Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are in the picture.

Played value has grown significantly

Calciomercato IT report that a move to England is a likely outcome for Isaque. It may not happen immediately and his value now stands at €30m, with Shakhtar paying a base fee of €10m last year.

A total of five Premier League clubs are interested in him and these are Tottenham, Nottingham Forest. Chelsea, Fulham and Bournemouth.

There is interest from Italian clubs as well but they could get out-bid.

Serie A sides are much more used to selling on South American talents. That is similar to what Salernitana did with Ederson and Verona did with Giovane in January.

Shakhtar are playing that selling club role already, with Serie A clubs unlikely to pay their asking price right now.

Souza could be example for Spurs

Tottenham signed Souza from Santos in January, which shows their inclination towards signing Brazilian talents. Spurs have been watching Brazilian youngsters closely, and have identified Lucas Ronier as a potential signing, as Sport Witness exclusively reported last week.

Nottingham Forest are also big on the Brazil market, but that may calm now Evangelos Marinakis ally John Textor has had control of Botafogo taken from him.

Randal Kolo Muani is expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur and return to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. What happens after that remains uncertain, with Juventus still keen.

Sunday was a watershed moment in the Bianconeri’s season. A loss to Fiorentina meant they slipped to sixth in the Serie A, two points away from the Champions League.

This can play a crucial role in how they conduct business in the summer transfer window. Sport Witness have covered their interest in Alisson, with Bernardo Silva also a target.

Now, those targets could be slipping away but things may not change for the Tottenham player.

Kolo Muani keen

TuttoSport report Juve’s move for Bernardo Silva could be over if they miss out on the Champions League. That isn’t true for Kolo Muani, who remains keen on a return to Turin.

In fact, he would walk ‘on foot’ to the city, if Juve come calling once again in the summer. He doesn’t care if they qualify for Europe’s top competition or not, as he seeks regular game time and a chance to make a mark.

Kolo Muani’s time at Paris Saint-Germain is up. The Frenchman is out of Luis Enrique’s plans and would also accept playing in the Europa League next season.

He is still Juve’s main target for attack, with Tottenham set to part ways at the end of the campaign.

Juve may have to finally pay up

Last summer, money was the reason why Tottenham ended up signing the 27-year-old on loan. Juve and Paris Saint-Germain failed to find an agreement over a permanent deal, leading to the Old Lady missing out.

Now, Juve won’t want a repeat of that, knowing that Kolo Muani is an accessible target. While PSG’s valuation has reduced, they won’t be open to a loan deal. The Frenchman has spent two loans already and another one wouldn’t make sense.

That is why Juve would finally have to pay up in the summer. Talks with PSG had broken off last summer as the Italian club tried for a loan.

Having already sent him on loan to the club the previous season, PSG were annoyed by Juve not using their option. It dragged on for so long that talks were ended and Kolo Muani was loaned to Tottenham instead.

West Ham United have made concrete progress with a move to sign FC Metz’s Alpha Touré in the summer transfer window.

The Premier League side had already looked at the defensive midfielder in the winter market.

In January, Sport Witness relayed news of West Ham’s initial offer of €7m. The source had reported the Hammers returning with an improved bid but that didn’t happen in the same window.

A month later, the Senegalese midfielder revealed he was happy with West Ham’s interest and talked about his dream of moving to England.

At that time, he said: “It’s always flattering when clubs like West Ham or Beşiktaş show interest in me. It shows that I still have to work hard. But I’m under contract with Metz and I’m very focused on my season. I leave that to my representatives [my family] and the club,” Touré explained.

“I’m concentrating on the pitch. As long as I’m wearing the Metz shirt, I give 100%… The Premier League is a very intense championship, with a lot of pace and impact. It’s a dream for many players. But one thing at a time.”

West Ham in talks for Touré

Fast forward to May and Dsports in Senegal cover the latest on West Ham’s interest in Alpha Touré.

The outlet make it clear it’s their own update that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have reached an agreement in principle with the 20-year-old.

He left Génération Foot for FC Metz in July 2024 and played 21 matches last season, when the club secured a promotion to Ligue 1.

When compared to last season [1,042 minutes], the midfielder’s game time improved this season. His league stats are as follows:

Appearances: 30

Starts: 16

Total minutes: 1,611

Minutes per game: 54

His performances already caught the attention of other clubs, including Anderlecht, but the London club are in pole position. Having reached an agreement in principle, West Ham are ready to pay £6m [€6.9m] to convince the French club.

The Hammers are making progress in their talks and have a ‘significant advantage’ over competitors. If there are no fresh setbacks or last-minute twists, West Ham could finalise the operation this week.

Relegation impact on West Ham move?

On Sunday, West Ham United suffered a 3-1 loss to Newcastle United in the league. The latest result means the Hammers are still in the relegation zone, two points behind 17th placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand.

There’s no mention on what will happen with Alpha Touré if the Hammers drop to the Championship.

Tottenham Hotspur need just a point from their last two Premier League matches to avoid relegation.

Spurs are now 17th, two points ahead of 18th placed West Ham United, with a game in hand and a vastly superior goal difference.

While the immediate focus is on staying in the top flight, Tottenham are also working on potential deals for the summer.

Having appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager in March, the Italian is looking at Serie A.

Tottenham manager set sights on duo

Tuttosport now report the north London club’s manager has set his sights on Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu and Fiorentina’s Nicolò Fagioli.

On March 30th, Sport Witness relayed news of several clubs including Tottenham Hotspur being in the picture to sign Kalulu.

Manchester United have also looked at the 25-year-old central defender and already made an approach. However, the Turin club closed the exit door.

Spurs are now looking at the France international and sent a scout to watch him live in Juve’s 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday. The official also watched La Viola midfielder Fagioli. Kalulu played the full 90 minutes while Fagioli was on the pitch for 64 minutes.

Roberto De Zerbi is ‘keen on both players’ as he looks to improve Spurs’ squad to help them return to Europe. The English club are expected to make a move for the 25-year-old Italy international in the coming days.

Sport Witness recently covered claims from Italy that Fiorentina need an ‘irresistible’ offer, without mentioning a figure. Tuttosport now report La Viola won’t consider anything below €30-40m for the 25-year-old midfielder.

The English club are unlikely to succeed in signing the French defender as Juventus intend to retain him. The Turin club have started talks with his representative over a contract renewal until 2030, with a salary rise from €2.4m to €3.8-4m net per year.

Our take: Tottenham could seek Paratici’s help

Earlier this year, Fabio Paratici ended his second spell at Spurs to join Fiorentina as their sporting director.

Tottenham Hotspur can seek their former director’s assistance in their efforts to try and sign Nicolò Fagioli.