Sporting CP's Pedro Porro in action against Vitoria Guimaraes
Tottenham Hotspur target Pedro Porro is not likely to be Antonio Conte‘s priority in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Tottenham’s Porro interest
It was reported earlier this week that Tottenham were closing in on the signing of Porro, who currently plays for Portuguese club Sporting CP, with a £35m deal expected to be completed.
Conte was believed to be targeting a right-wing back due to the possibility of either Emerson Royal or Matt Doherty being sold in this transfer window, but a new update details that the position is not of the utmost importance to the Italian.
The Latest: Jones ‘surprised’
In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jones said the Porro news is surprising, claiming that the manager is more eager to strengthen two other positions:
“There are a few factors that make me question whether he would be a priority. Everything I hear, it’s a forward creative player or a centre-back rather than a right-sided wing-back.
“I’m not going to rule it out, but I’d be surprised if that was accelerated ahead of everything else.”
The Verdict: Worth signing?
It is clear to see why Conte would prioritise the signing of a centre-back, considering his side’s terrible defensive record so far this season, conceding an average of 1.47 goals per game in the Premier League, more than the likes of West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
Spurs already have an array of options in attack, with fantastic players like Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski at their disposal, although the latter is currently an injury concern due to an ankle problem, while Richarlison is also out with a hamstring issue.
Emerson Royal has looked unimpressive, while Porro has been lauded as a ‘baller‘ by journalist Jack Collins, and has averaged 4.61 shot-creating actions per 90 over the last year, an increase on the 1.85 figure from Royal.
Being able to improve all three areas is no doubt the ideal situation for Conte, but injuries to attackers and the poor performances from centre-backs means that strengthening the right-wing back area should be of less concern.
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