Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed what Joao Palhinha is thinking as Tottenham and Sporting Lisbon battle it out for his signature.
The 30-year-old played a crucial role in keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, and it is plausible that the club may have gone down without his crucial goals and big performances in the final run-in.
That is why Roberto De Zerbi has repeatedly stated that Palhinha is part of his plans at Tottenham, but the Italian may not be able to get his wish.
Spurs are locked in a battle with Sporting Lisbon for the 30-year-old, with the Portuguese club making big efforts to bring their former player back to the club.
Joao Palhinha wants to make a decision on Tottenham transfer soon
It is unclear which way Palhinha is leaning, but Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that the experienced midfielder wants to make a quick decision soon between the two options he has.
Tottenham’s £26m option to buy the midfielder has now expired, and Plettenberg explains that the Lilywhites want to sign the player for a lower fee.
The journalist wrote on X: “Joao Palhinha wants to make a decision on his future soon. The two concrete options are currently Tottenham and Sporting CP. Talks are ongoing. Tottenham currently have good chances.
“However, as revealed, Spurs want to renegotiate with FC Bayern. The option to buy was set at €25m guaranteed, with potential add-ons that could raise the fee to up to €30m. Tottenham want to pay less.”
What Spurs and Sporting Lisbon are thinking about the Palhinha deal
Sporting are allegedly willing to make Palhinha their captain and their highest earner to convince him to return to Lisbon.
However, several sources, including Fabrizio Romano, continue to suggest that the midfielder is prioritising a return to Spurs this summer.
According to reports from Portugal, De Zerbi spoke to Palhinha again over recent days, and the Tottenham head coach reiterated his desire for the 30-year-old to be part of his project at N17.