Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a move for Sporting CP defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha during the upcoming transfer window.
The Lowdown: Palhinha profiled
Despite having faced multiple spells on the sidelines due to injuries and suspensions, the 26-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals during that time, as per Transfermarkt.
The 12-time Portugal international, whose contract with the Lisbon-based outfit isn’t set to expire until 2026, is expected to draw some big attention in the summer, with a move away from the Jose Alvalade looking likely and Wolves sniffing around.
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Following a fresh update, the Lilywhites seem to have well and truly joined the race.
The Latest: Interest from Spurs
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Antonio Conte’s side ‘study the signing of a midfielder’ ahead of the new campaign, and are set to fight English rivals Wolves.
The source states that Sporting want to make €30m (£25.2m) with the sale of Palhinha, but reluctantly know 'it will not be easy' to get that sum, as Sport Witness claim the opportunity is there for a 'bargain deal'.
The Verdict: Get it done
Should the 6 foot 2 maestro fail to win back his place in the Portugal squad, then the asking fee could be lowered even more come the end of May, and if this is this case, then it’s an absolute bargain of a move that Paratici should be all over.
The £24k-per-week ace is currently averaging a hugely impressive 3.1 tackles per 90 minutes in the top-flight this season - more than any Spurs player - making him a very attractive prospect to offer protection in front of Conte's defence.
Once described as a “special” player by his manager, Ruben Amorim, we feel Paratici and co should seriously consider a move for Palhinha, who has the potential to become a rock in the middle of the park under the Italian boss, and could help Spurs achieve that all-important place in the top four next term.
In other news, Tottenham officials are on the move today to watch a Conte target in action...