According to Portuguese daily Record, Tottenham Hotspur would have to trigger the €60m (£51.3m) release clause in Joao Palhinha’s contract if they wish to sign the midfielder this summer.
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder had an impressive season on loan at Braga and he was also one of the few shining lights for Portugal in a disappointing European Championship campaign.
Reports first emerged last month that Tottenham were one of the clubs eyeing a move for Palhinha, who was said to be valued at €40m (£34.3m).
However, A Bola subsequently suggested that Sporting’s asking price had gone up on the back of the 26-year-old’s performances at the Euros.
If the latest update from Record is to be believed, it indeed looks as though Sporting have no intention of letting the midfielder leave on the cheap.
Tottenham, Everton, Wolves, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are all said to be showing interest in Palhinha but it is asserted that Sporting are determined to retain the player.
The report alleges that clubs will have to pay out the midfielder’s full release clause if they wish to sign him this summer.
Spurs Web Opinion
I doubt if we will be seeing Spurs make offers for any player whose stock has risen considerably due to the Euros as their values are now heavily inflated. For £50m, there are better options out there than Palhinha like Frank Kessie, Yves Bissouma and Eduardo Camavinga.
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