Sporting boss admits it will be difficult to keep Porro and addresses Man City buyback clause

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that they could face a battle to keep Pedro Porro during the January transfer window.

Porro was again in fine form last night for the Portuguese outfit when he scored and provided an assist in Sporting’s 3-0 win over Paços de Ferreira which saw them move up to fourth place in the Liga Nos table.

The 23-year-old’s contract at Sporting contains a £39million transfer release clause (Express) with Amorim conceding that if a bid of this amount is tabled, it would be impossible to keep him at the club and also highlighted the void he would leave in his squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move for the right wing-back as they look to improve upon the current offering of Emerson Royal, Matt Doherty and Djed Spence, who has hardly kicked a ball since his summer move from Middlesbrough.

Porro told Portuguese news outlet Record after last night’s match: “Everyone knows Porro now, it’s impossible not to look at him as one of the best full-backs. I’ve already mentioned the club’s idea to him.

“If they beat the clause it will be impossible, until then I hope to count on him. He has the capacity. to take the ball forward. With Porro, our football already passes through him so much, we have to work without dramas, it would be difficult to replace him during the season.”

When asked about Manchester City’s buyback clause, he added: “That Porro clause is not €18m, I have information. It’s club stuff, I won’t tell you. I don’t want mine to come off, the rest is indifferent.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Porro’s attacking abilities were clear to see during the win against Pacos, when he played a brilliant ball into the penalty area for Paulinho to head home, this is exactly the type of delivery that Harry Kane would relish instead of the substandard crosses that Emerson Royal delivers.

Sporting are likely to want to hold out for as close as possible to the £39m figure given Tottenham’s need to improve the right side of their defence, while Sporting will not want to weaken their squad as they look to secure another return to the Champions League.

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