Crunch week for Tottenham as top transfer target scheduled for talks but alternative already pencilled in
Tottenham are scheduled to meet with Sporting Lisbon to discuss the transfer of a top target this week in what could be a crucial few days for Antonio Conte to strengthen his squad.
Pedro Porro has been a major Spurs target for a good six weeks now, with the Spaniard tipped to be a major upgrade over Conte’s current right wing-back options in north London.
Matt Doherty has won the starting spot from the hugely disappointing Emerson Royal, who could be offloaded this month. However, Doherty showed once again that he struggles against the better Premier League teams as Tottenham lost to bitter rivals, and league leaders, Arsenal on Sunday.
Seeing problems in the position, Conte instructed sporting director Fabio Paratici to find him a new one.
Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries was seemingly first choice. But with that transfer proving tricky to pull off, Paratici turned to Porro instead.
The Spaniard is having an outstanding season in Lisbon and faced Spurs twice in the Champions League group stage.
Porro has scored twice and has 10 assists in 23 games in all competitions this season. Those are the sort of stats Tottenham’s current right wing-back options can only dream of.
However, the asking price continues to be the major sticking point stopping the transfer.
Sporting continue to insist that Spurs pay the 23-year-old’s €45m (£40m) release clause, something Daniel Levy is not happy to do.
FcInterNews claims Levy has offered €35m (£31m) to be paid in three instalments for Porro. But Sporting keep insisting on the clause being met.
To that end, it appears the next few days will be critical to any deal happening. Although Conte does have another option.
Inter star still in Tottenham mix
Netherlands star Dumfries remains on his radar, although Chelsea and Manchester United are also known to be keen on the player.
The 26-year-old’s agent Rafaela Pimenta is currently in London. And the report adds that she could re-open talks with Levy and Paratici over a deal for her client.
So, if the negotiations between Spurs and Sporting for Porro do end in a stalemate, there is a back-up option in the mix.
The only problem with that, however, is that Dumfries could cost just as much as Porro.
Inter currently value the Dutchman at €50m (£44m), but it’s thought they would accept around €40m (£35.5m).
But whatever happens this week, Spurs are in desperate need of more quality in Conte’s first XI. Indeed, they were woeful in the first half of their derby loss before rallying slightly in the second period.
The fear now is that unless three or four players are added to the starting line-up then Tottenham’s season could implode, not to mention what would then happen with Conte’s future.
Spurs are back in action on Thursday night when they face the daunting trip to Manchester City.
