An update from Portugal has revealed what Sporting Lisbon are now thinking about their chances of beating Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of Joao Palhinha.
De Zerbi has declared multiple times that he wants Palhinha to be at Tottenham next season, but over the last few days, the midfielder has been sending mixed messages regarding a return to Spurs.
Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon are attempting to re-sign Palhinha as they eye a rebuild in midfield this summer.
Some outlets have even claimed that the Portuguese club are confident of beating Tottenham for his signature, but the events of the last few days may have changed Palhinha’s situation.
Tottenham’s survival gives them a chance of a deal
A report by Portuguese outlet A Bola has revealed that the Lilywhites’ Premier League survival is seen as ‘bad news’ at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The newspaper believes that avoiding relegation was worth between €135m and €140m (£116m-£120m) for Tottenham, putting them in a much stronger position to complete the signing of Palhinha.
However, despite this latest development, the belief in Lisbon is that Spurs do not fully control the outcome, as the midfielder still needs to give the green light to move to N17.
Sporting remain in contact with the 30-year-old and his representatives, and are exploring an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
Sporting face one obstacle in Palhinha deal
A Bola say that the Portuguese club’s confidence of re-signing the player remains undented by Tottenham’s survival.
This is because the club believe that the ‘heart factor’ and family reasons may be decisive in convincing their academy graduate to come back home.
However, the report concludes that Palhinha’s salary demands remain the ‘biggest obstacle’ to his return, even though the player is willing to lower his wages to return to the capital city.