Tottenham Hotspur are contemplating their decision on an experienced player, and one of their London rivals is watching the situation very closely.
Part of the reason for Spurs’ struggles this term is that the club’s summer signings have not had the kind of impact that Thomas Frank would have hoped for.
Even Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have dropped off after a very good start to the season, with the latter now finding himself out of the starting eleven.
A couple of months ago, it was reported that Tottenham had decided to activate the £26m option to land Palhinha permanently, but the club are no longer said to be sure.
That is according to an update earlier this week, which claimed that the Lilywhites are still contemplating whether to make the Portugal international’s loan deal permanent.
Fulham ready to pounce on Joao Palhinha if Tottenham hesitate
A new report in TEAMtalk has now also confirmed that there is no clarity on whether Palhinha will remain at Spurs beyond the end of the season.
Sources close to the situation are said to be less convinced that the North Londoners will take up the option in light of the 30-year-old dropping out of Frank’s first-choice eleven.
However, it is revealed that should Spurs not take up the option, Fulham are ready to pounce on the deal and re-sign Palhinha.
The Cottagers are keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s situation, and whether the player wants to return to Craven Cottage could be dictated by one factor.
Marco Silva could dictate Palhinha’s future
TEAMtalk suggested that the Bayern Munich man would be more open to returning to his former stomping ground if Marco Silva is still in charge at the end of the season.
The 48-year-old is currently locked in talks with Fulham over a new contract, with his current deal running out at the end of the season.
Interestingly, it has also been reported over recent weeks that Silva is one of the names on Tottenham’s wishlist to replace Frank next summer.