As Tottenham Hotspur work on strengthening their midfield with some big-money signings, the prospect of Joao Palhinha returning to N17 may be diminishing.
The Portuguese international played a pivotal role in keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, showing tremendous character and leadership during the club’s relegation fight.
Roberto De Zerbi has publicly declared his intention to keep Palhinha at Spurs, but the 30-year-old is now far from certain to return to N17.
Sporting Lisbon are challenging Tottenham in their pursuit of the midfielder, with the Portuguese club keen on taking their academy graduate back to where it all started for him.
Tottenham have a 50 per cent chance of landing Joao Palhinha
Spurs’ £26m purchase option for Palhinha has now expired, and some sources have claimed over the last few weeks that Sporting hold the upper hand over Tottenham in the race for the midfielder.
Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge has now put the chances of the former Fulham man returning to North London at 50 per cent and explained that Bayern Munich would have to offer a discount for the Lilywhites to do the deal.
When asked if Palhinha could return to Tottenham, Bridge told The Last Word on Spurs podcast: “Think it’s 50/50 at best (Palhinha joining), and it would need to be a really good fee for Tottenham, as it stands.”
Spurs are working on landing two big-money midfielders
The speculation regarding Palhinha’s future has gone quiet over the last few weeks, with De Zerbi’s men focused on making two statement additions in the middle of the park.
Tottenham are continuing to push to land Sandro Tonali, despite having a £75m offer already turned down by Newcastle.
Spurs are also ready to submit a huge offer for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who is also of interest to Man United.
One suspects that Palhinha will be less inclined to return to N17 after watching them make these moves, as the 30-year-old will be aware that his chances of getting regular game time in London are minimal.