Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Tottenham approach rival figures for reference on major target, as expert suggests Conte, Paratici disagreement

Antonio Conte chats to Fabio Paratici of Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are doing more research on right-back target Pedro Porro by seeking references from those who knew him at Manchester City – but an insider is wondering whether Antonio Conte is fully on board with the idea of signing him.

Porro is one of the main right-backs to be linked with Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window. They are seeking an upgrade to Emerson Royal, Matt Doherty and Djed Spence. After coming up against Porro in the Champions League, the Sporting CP star is on their radar.

Tottenham could give him a second chance of making it in the Premier League after he was previously on the books of Manchester City without making a senior appearance.

To do so, they would probably have to meet his €45million release clause (around £39.3million). At that kind of price, they will have to be sure he is the right profile.

With that in mind, a report from O Jogo has revealed that Tottenham have been approaching former Manchester City officials to get more information about Porro.

Specifically, they want to assess his physical state. Since joining Sporting for the 2020-21 season, Porro has suffered eight separate injuries.

Hence, Tottenham have some concerns about potential recurrences of muscle injuries. Those who have been keeping a closer eye on Porro might be able to help allay their fears, or convince them to focus their energies elsewhere.

If they decide to go ahead with a bid for Porro, they are more likely to have success in the summer. Sporting will be powerless to stop the transfer if Tottenham activate his release clause in January. But if Spurs would prefer to pay a lower price, negotiations are more likely at the end of the season.

Fabrizio Romano has recently reminded that Manchester City have a buyback clause on Porro, too. Hence, the situation isn’t fully under Spurs’ control.

But they are still laying the groundworks for a potential deal by getting as much inside information about the Spaniard as possible.

Paratici prefers Pedro Porro but Conte doubt remains

Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold has corroborated the idea that Porro’s physical condition might not suit Spurs.

In fact, Gold has suggested that despite Fabio Paratici’s admiration of the 23-year-old, Antonio Conte may be less keen on him.

Gold said on his YouTube channel: “He’s been on Spurs’ list for a little while and there’s some indication that Paratici quite likes him as well. Where the doubts lie is whether he’s a Conte signing.

“Physically does he fit the mould of a Conte wing-back? Look at the players he often has at wing-back. They’re often tall, able to put in crosses from the other wing-back, pacy, strong.

“Porro has a lot of qualities but whether he is a physical fit for a Conte wing-back…

“With Porro he is a talented player, but I think they have to see whether those doubts over being a physical fit will be too much to make a move or not.”

Despite some setbacks, Porro is now up to 91 appearances in a Sporting shirt. With 10 goals and 18 assists from those games, he is fulfilling his potential.

Only time will tell whether Paratici will act on his interest to bring Porro to the Premier League. After all, the signing of Spence caused some controversy when Conte distanced himself from it. A repeat would not be a good look.

But Porro has more experience at the top level, so may be a better fit. Before any bid, though, Tottenham are taking in all the background information they need to be sure.

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