There has been an update on Joao Palhinha’s stance on his future as Tottenham continue to haggle and interest in the midfielder intensifies across Europe.
While we know that Roberto De Zerbi wants to re-sign Palhinha, the midfielder’s future remains up in the air ahead of next season.
Sporting Lisbon are challenging Spurs in their pursuit of the 30-year-old, with the Portuguese club looking to sign the midfielder on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
Sporting are allegedly willing to make Palhinha their captain and their highest earner to convince him to return to Lisbon, as the former Fulham man considers his next step.
Tottenham remain in the race for Joao Palhinha despite the expiration of the purchase clause
According to a report from A Bola (as relayed by Sport Witness), Spurs very much remain in the picture for the midfielder, who is not short of offers this summer.
It is explained that Bayern Munich have already made their position clear to Palhinha, letting him know that he is not part of Vincent Kompany’s plans for next season.
Interestingly, it is revealed that the experienced midfielder informed Spurs that his priority was to return to Lisbon, which is why the Lilywhites allowed their £26m purchase option to expire.
Even though that clause is no longer available, it is asserted that Palhinha has not completely closed the door on a return to Tottenham.
However, Fabrizio Romano says Palhinha has given his priority to Tottenham this summer. Palhinha himself wants to make a decision soon as Spurs prepare to haggle over price.
Palhinha has rebuffed interest from across Europe
A Bola say that Palhinha’s representatives have fielded several expressions of interest over recent weeks.
Other Premier League sides, as well as clubs from Germany, Spain and Italy, have all enquired about the 30-year-old’s availability, but none of those clubs are named in the report.
However, Palhinha has turned down those advances and is only considering two potential destinations this summer: Sporting and Spurs.