Tottenham Hotspur have just received the news that they may have been dreading regarding their rumoured target, Francisco Trincao.
It first emerged last week that Tottenham are looking to raid Sporting Lisbon for Francisco Trincao as Roberto De Zerbi looks to add proven quality to his attack ahead of his first full season in charge.
On Monday, it emerged that Sporting had agreed a £42m offer from Saudi club Al Ahli for the Spurs target, but all hope was still not lost for the North London side.
Some sources from Portugal had claimed on Tuesday that Trincao was waiting to see if Tottenham or Man City make a late approach, and was yet to give the green light to join the Saudi Pro League side.
Tottenham target Francisco Trincao agrees Al Ahli transfer
Spurs’ hopes of landing the Portugal international are now over, as Correio da Manha (as relayed by Sport Witness) reports that the versatile attacking midfielder has given his approval for the transfer to the Middle East.
Trincao is now set to complete a move to Al Ahli after agreeing on personal terms with the Saudi club, thus ending the speculation over a return to the Premier League.
The former Wolves loanee has been handed a lucrative four-year contract worth just over £10m a year, which no European club was allegedly willing to match.
Will Spurs add a number ten to their squad this summer?
Xavi Simons is expected to be sidelined until later this year, while there is no clarity on when Dejan Kulusevski will return to action.
Lucas Bergvall continues to be linked with a move away from Tottenham, and James Maddison’s recent injury record does not inspire much confidence.
One would thus not be surprised if Roberto De Zerbi’s men look to add another attacking midfielder to their squad before the window slams shut, and their interest in Trinaco suggests that the Lilywhites may be going for a versatile number 10, who could also operate on the flanks.