Paratici locks on to Joao Palhinha transfer chance for Tottenham, as Sporting forced to back down

Tottenham can sign Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer for lower than previously stated, according to a report.

Spurs’ transfer activity has come sharply into focus following Antonio Conte’s arrival as manager. He orchestrated a busy first window in charge in January, letting go of four first-team players.

Furthermore, he added former Juventus pair Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur. The duo have proved crucial in Tottenham’s revival in recent months.

Ahead of potential Champions League football next season if Tottenham secure a top-four Premier League finish, Conte and director of football Fabio Paratici are looking at further new signings.

Portuguese midfielder Palhinha was one player Spurs had links with last summer.

And according to Correio da Manha, the 26-year-old will be available for a lower fee at the end of this season.

Sporting had reportedly demanded €40million (£34million) for Palhinha last summer following his impressive campaign.

He featured in all but two league games – both of those absences coming at the start of the season. As such, he signed his latest contract in December last year. Those terms run until the summer of 2026.

However, he has suffered from injury issues this term and a suspension through a red card has also not helped his cause.

As a result, Correio da Manha adds that Sporting can only demand €30million (£25million) for their star midfielder this summer. Spurs are subsequently monitoring his progress again ahead of a potential raid.

Palhinha struggles on two fronts

As well as his domestic struggles this season, Palhinha recently dropped out of Fernando Santos’ Portugal squad.

He made his debut for his country ahead of Euro 2020 and featured at the tournament last summer.

Palhinha was subsequently a part of the international breaks before the turn of the year.

However, he was not in the squad for the most recent camp in March and so his World Cup spot is now in doubt.

Conte wants more at Tottenham

Back at Tottenham, meanwhile, Conte reportedly wants a new centre-back in this summer’s transfer window.

In fact, the Italian is supposedly looking for as many as six new signings.

A right wing-back, a second midfielder, a backup goalkeeper and a forward are also supposedly on Conte’s radar.

The return of Champions League football next season will help, but Arsenal stand in Spurs’ way as it stands.

 

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