Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a lifeline in their rumoured pursuit of Francisco Trincao, even though the 26-year-old is on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabia.
It first emerged last week that Tottenham are looking to raid Sporting Lisbon for Francisco Trincao, who scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 matches across all competitions last term.
However, reports over the past 24 hours have suggested that the Lilywhites have fallen short in their pursuit of the Portugal international after Sporting agreed a deal with Saudi side Al Ahli.
In fact, even Fabrizio Romano has given the ‘here we go’ for Trincao’s move to Al Ahli, but it turns out that Roberto De Zerbi’s side could still push through a late deal.
Francisco Trincao is waiting for Tottenham and a Premier League rival
A new report in Correio da Manha (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now confirmed that Al Ahli have agreed a package worth €45m (£38m) with Sporting for the versatile attacker.
However, interestingly, the outlet claims that the former Wolves star has yet to give the green light to join the Saudi Pro League club.
Trincao is holding out hope that he receives an offer to return to the Premier League, which is his top preference.
The 26-year-old is aware that Tottenham Hotspur and Man City both hold an interest in him and is waiting to see if either club makes a late move.
Spurs know what they have to do to hijack Trincao deal
Correio da Manha say that the North London club see the Sporting star as someone who can compete for the attacking midfielder role as well as the right-wing position.
Meanwhile, City’s interest is being driven by new boss Enzo Maresca, who is a great admirer of Trincao.
However, it is made clear that despite the player’s keenness to move to England, Sporting will not offer either Premier League club a discount.
In other words, Tottenham and Man City would have to match Al Ahli’s £38m offer for the attacker to complete a hijack.