According to a report in the paper edition of A Bola, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are now in a seven-horse race to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the market...

Tottenham are arguably in need of a major summer overhaul if they're going to compete for a spot in the Champions League next season under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Club managing director Fabio Paratici, despite just starting in his new role at the club, is said to have already commenced work long ago in this regard - with no shortage of players linked to Spurs.

One of them is Palhinha, especially after he briefly impressed with Portugal before they bowed out of Euro 2020.

The Latest: Tottenham now in seven-horse race...

Competition for the 25-year-old's signature has significantly grown since his noteworthy performances for the national team.

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A Bola, bringing an update on Spurs' pursuit of Palhinha, say that the Lilywhites now face competition from six other clubs - with seven teams in total, including the Lilywhites, all chasing him.

As well as Tottenham, Atalanta, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Napoli are all in the race to sign Palhinha this summer.

Following this interest and his performances at Euro 2020, Sporting are now also said to want 'way over' €30 million (£25.8m) if they are to consider selling.

The Verdict: One to monitor...

Palhinha also shone over 2020/2021 for his club in Liga NOS, making a very impressive 3.3 tackles per 90 on average over 28 starts in defensive midfield.

This is an even better number than current Lilywhites colossus Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg managed in the Premier League, with the Dane averaging 2.6 challenges in the middle by comparison (WhoScored).

Sporting manager Ruben Amorim also waxed lyrical over Palhinha's growth in Portugal, telling MaisFutebol (via Manchester News Today) that he is a 'special player'.

Depending on the amount chairman Daniel Levy will have to pay for his signature, we believe he could be a very astute option this summer.

In other news: Tottenham negotiations already underway to sign this player, find out more here.