Journalist Dean Jones has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Sporting CP defender Pedro Porro.
The Lowdown: Spurs prioritise Porro move...
The Lilywhites have been prioritising a move for Porro almost all transfer window with reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano claiming he is top of the list for Spurs and manager Antonio Conte.
However, the difficulty of this deal lies in Sporting's firm stance in negotiations, with the Liga Portugal giants holding out for his €45 million (£39.4m) release clause or nothing.
Spurs recently made an opening bid for Porro which included a player and 'guaranteed money', but Sporting have rejected this formula with talks over a move set to continue.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Dean Jones has shared his own update on both the player's stance and how Tottenham hope to get around the release clause roadblock.
The Latest: Porro 'sold' on joining...
The journalist has backed other reports surrounding the 23-year-old's eagerness, claiming Porro is indeed desperate to join Tottenham and is 'sold' on the idea of a move.
In terms of the exit clause, Jones believes Spurs could be trying to set up this deal in a way that they won't have to pay the entire £39.4m fee up front.
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He stated:
“From everything I know about this one, it sounds very much like Porro is sold on the idea. I think he’s keen to make the move to Tottenham, but Spurs want to avoid this release clause.
“I think they’re trying to work out if they can set up this deal in a different way without paying up all of that release clause.”
The Verdict: Perfect player?
Sporting appear the only roadblock to get a deal done for Porro.
If Spurs can arrange a way to pay his clause through instalments or make a breakthrough with an alternative structure, there is little denying the former Man City defender would be a real coup.
As per WhoScored, Porro tops Sporting's charts for assists in the Portuguese top flight this season and also ranks in their top two for key passes made and attempts at goal per 90.
By comparison to Spurs' current squad, Conte's most regularly-selected option at right-wing-back, Emerson Royal, ranks nowhere near their best in both the latter regards.
Emerson has also just one assist to his name all season in the Premier League - backing Spurs' obvious need for a wing-back alternative going forward.
Porro's brilliant attacking stats back football analyst Marcus Bring's verdict that the Spaniard is 'creative' and could be exactly what Spurs need at wing-back.