Portuguese newspaper Record (as relayed by Sport Witness) have revealed that a number of clubs across Europe are interested in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, who was rumoured to be on Tottenham’s radar in the summer.
While Tottenham strengthened their goalkeeping ranks, backline and their attacking areas over the summer, they did not add a central midfielder to their squad, with even Metz youngster Pape Sarr being loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the season.
However, the club were linked with several midfielders including Palhinha, with the North Londoners reportedly having a loan offer for the midfielder turned down by Sporting.
Tottenham were backed to make another offer of around €20m (£17.1m) for the 26-year-old in the final days of the summer but nothing materialised before the window slammed shut.
The Portuguese international has been in excellent form for both club and country this season and it has been suggested that he could be rewarded with a new contract.
If Record’s latest update is to be believed, it seems like Tottenham could face a lot of competition for Palhinha if they reignite their interest in him in January.
The report explains that the midfielder’s impressive form this season alerted several clubs across Europe, with his performances continuing ‘to whet the appetite of clubs in the main European leagues, such as England.’
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It is asserted that the number of clubs interested in Palhinha is growing and there is a ‘promise’ of proposals when the transfer window reopens in January.
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If it is true that more clubs are interested, then Sporting’s asking price for Palhinha is only likely to go up even further. Given that the price was rumoured to be the main sticking point between Tottenham and Sporting in the summer, a deal in January looks unlikely.
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