Tottenham Hotspur have just received a major blow in their quest to tie up a permanent deal for Joao Palhinha this summer.
While Roberto De Zerbi has said he wants Joao Palhinha to be part of his squad next season, it appears that the Lilywhites face some major roadblocks in getting the deal over the line.
Sporting Lisbon are keen to take the 30-year-old back to the club as they eye a rebuild in midfield this summer.
It has been suggested that Palhinha could return to Lisbon for personal reasons, and the latest update on the Portugal international’s future comes as bad news for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham blow as negotiations ‘progressing rapidly’ between Joao Palhinha and Sporting Lisbon
A Bola have now claimed that talks between Palhinha and Sporting are ‘progressing rapidly’, with the negotiations between the parties now accelerating ahead of the summer window.
The report says that there are ‘strong prospects’ that the Spurs midfielder would return to his boyhood club this summer, as he has already held some positive talks with the club’s management.
It is asserted that a loan move to Jose Alvalade Stadium with an option to buy could emerge as a viable solution this summer.
Sporting want Palhinha to take a leadership role at the club and be a crucial link between the players and the coaching staff.
One sticking point for Sporting in Palhinha deal
A Bola explain that the only sticking point for Sporting could be in finding a suitable agreement with Bayern Munich.
The two clubs have to agree on whether it would be a loan with a purchase option or an immediate transfer, with Sporting likely to offer a three-year deal to the player in case it is a permanent transfer.
However, the outlet says that Sporting’s qualification for the Champions League could boost their pursuit, with Palhinha wanting to still compete at the highest level.
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