The latest developments in the race to land Joao Palhinha have convinced Tottenham to take action ahead of the summer window.
De Zerbi has declared that he wants Palhinha to remain at Tottenham next season, with the Italian appearing to have struck up a good relationship with the midfielder.
However, reports from Portugal over the last few days have revealed that Sporting Lisbon are ready to challenge Spurs for the 30-year-old, as they plot a move to take their academy graduate back to the club.
In fact, some sources have said Palhinha could snub a move to Tottenham in favour of a return to Portugal due to personal reasons.
Tottenham identifying other midfield targets following Joao Palhinha development
Football Insider have now claimed that Spurs are now planning for the possibility of parting ways with Palhinha at the end of his loan spell.
Spurs are adamant that they want to add at least one central midfielder to their squad this summer, regardless of whether they stay up or go down.
The club’s recruitment team are now working to assess other midfield options ahead of the window if they are not successful in agreeing a permanent deal with Bayern Munich for Palhinha.
While the final decision on who they will target will hinge on the outcome of the relegation battle, there ‘is not doubt’ that the North Londoners will bolster their midfield ahead of De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.
Spurs want a discount from Bayern on Palhinha
Not everyone is suggesting that the midfielder is having second thoughts about joining Tottenham permanently, with GiveMeSport claiming last week that Palhinha is prepared to sign for Spurs even if they get relegated.
However, there could be another stumbling block in the deal, with sources suggesting that Tottenham are asking Bayern for a discount on their £25m option to buy the midfielder.
With other clubs also seemingly interested in the 30-year-old, it remains to be seen if the Bundesliga club would agree to knock down their asking price.