Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham may be handed a huge transfer blow even before the summer window officially opens if a new update regarding Joao Palhinha’s future is to be believed.
Tottenham have the option to sign Palhinha permanently for £22m at the end of his loan spell this summer, and the midfielder has certainly proved his worth over recent weeks, making vital contributions in the Lilywhites’ battle for survival.
In fact, as many Spurs fans will be aware, De Zerbi has made it clear he wants Palhinha to be at the club next season.
However, reports from Portugal indicate that Sporting Lisbon are ready to challenge in the Lilywhites’ race for Palhinha, as they plot a move to re-sign their former midfielder.
Joao Palhinha’s future is out of Tottenham’s hands
A couple of days ago, it was revealed by A Bola and Correio da Manha that Palhinha may be tempted to return to Sporting due to personal reasons.
This has now been backed up by Football Insider, who say that the midfielder may prefer to return to his native country due to personal considerations this summer.
It is suggested that the 30-year-old could snub the chance to join Spurs permanently and push for a move to his boyhood club instead.
In fact, the outlet claims to have heard from sources that the former Fulham man’s future is now ‘out of Tottenham’s hands’.
Bayern Munich are likely to offer Spurs a discount on Palhinha
Football Insider also backs up what some other websites are reporting regarding Spurs’ stance on the midfielder, claiming that De Zerbi’s men want to renegotiate a cut-price deal with Bayern for the 30-year-old.
In fact, this update claims that the Bundesliga giants are likely to be receptive to the idea as their priority is to get Palhinha off their wage bill.
However, Sporting’s entry into the transfer race could ‘throw a spanner in the works’ of Tottenham’s plan to strike a deal with Bayern.