O Jogo have revealed that Aston Villa are now exploring a sensational late move for Sporting Lisbon attacker Pedro Goncalves, who has repeatedly been linked with a move to Tottenham over the last 12 months.
Many will be surprised that Goncalves is still at Sporting, with the versatile attacker, who can play on either flank or as a number eight, having been tipped for a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs for several years.
The 25-year-old continues to be one of the standout players at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, with 11 goals and 10 assists to his name so far this season (Transfermarkt).
Spurs fans will be aware that the Portuguese international has been mooted as a target for the Lilywhites for quite a while, with the latest such report coming back in November from 90 min, who claimed that Ange Postecoglou’s men have scouted the player heavily this season.
The outlet added that Tottenham have a good relationship with Sporting following the Pedro Porro deal a year ago and could use that to their favour to strike deals for the winger.
Aston Villa make a move for Pedro Goncalves
O Jogo have now revealed that Goncalves has emerged as a target for Villa, who have allegedly reached out to the player’s agent regarding a potential transfer.
The report adds that the Villans are not the only Premier League side eyeing a move for the Sporting star, with West Ham United also alleged to have asked for information about his availability.
The publication points out that Goncalves has a release clause of €80m (£69m) in his contract, and with time running out in the transfer window, it appears to be a difficult deal to do.
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Neither Villa nor West Ham would be in a position to meet Goncalves’ release clause but they might have touched base to see if Sporting are willing to sell the winger for a lower fee.
The Portuguese club would likely be hoping for a bidding war for the player next summer and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham get involved.