Journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are now ‘pushing hard’ for a deadline day deal for Porto winger Pepe.
Until Thursday, it was widely reported that Spurs are expected to concentrate their efforts on their pursuits of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson (Telegraph).
It was even suggested late last evening that Tottenham are keen on bolstering their options at centre-back and are considering a late move for Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly (Fabrizio Romano).
PORTO, PORTUGAL – AUGUST 20: Pepe of FC Porto gestures during the Liga Portugal Bwin match between FC Porto and SC Farense at Estadio do Dragao on August 20, 2023 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Tottenham are still looking at Pepe on deadline day
It has now emerged that Pepe is another player who remains on the club’s radar as they step up their transfer efforts in the final hours of the window.
It was reported last week by A Bola that Spurs presented an offer of €45m (£38.5m) upfront plus a further €15m (£12.8m) in add-ons for the Brazilian, which was turned down by Porto, who were holding out for his release clause of €75m (£64.2m).
Galetti has now stated that while the high release clause makes the deal a ‘complicated’ one, the North London club have not entirely abandoned their pursuit of the 26-year-old.
The journalist told GiveMeSport: “Tottenham are really, really interested in Pepe. They targeted him as one of the profiles to reinforce their squad. They are still pushing hard to change the position of Porto.
“Porto are quite adamant that they are not open to negotiating a different price than the release clause set for the Brazilian winger, which is £64m.
“So, if Tottenham want Pepe, they have to pay this amount. But, as it stands, it’s a complicated deal because Tottenham consider this price too expensive.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is now extremely clear that Johnson is Tottenham’s top attacking target, with the Lilywhites seemingly putting all their eggs in the Forest star’s basket. I think Spurs would rather pay £50m for the Wales international rather than spending £64m on Pepe.
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