Tottenham pushing to sign defensive midfielder Palhinha

 

Tottenham are continuing their rebuild under Nuno Espirito Santo and are looking at Portugal international Palhinha to bolster their midfield, according to reports in the Portuguse media.

Palhinha was a crucial part of Sporting Lisbon’s run to the Portuguese title last season, their first in 19 years, and was named in Portugal’s squad for Euro 2020, making two appearances including starting in their 1-0 defeat to Belgium in the last 16.

Nuno, who was Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes’ first ever client, was renowned for signing players from his home country for previous club Wolves and is now looking to the same market to improve Tottenham’s squad for the new season.

A report from Portuguese newspaper A Bola said the coach is a long-time admirer of Palhinha, 26, and has given Spurs the green light to make an approach for him.

Palhinha is highly valued by Sporting after a long spell at the club which saw him rise through their youth ranks before being farmed out on various loan spells in the top flight.

He had his breakthrough season while on loan with Sporting Braga in the 2019-20 campaign and established himself as one of Sporting Lisbon’s most influential players on his return to the capital.

After he helped the club make a storming start to the last campaign, Sporting signed him to a new contract last season containing a release clause of 60million euros (£50m).

But the huge gulf in wealth between the Premier League and the Portuguese championship means they would be likely to accept a lower offer for the player.

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He made 28 starts in the league and was crucial to Sporting winning a first title since 2002

Palhinha would certainly bring some extra power and strength to Spurs’ midfield.

He is 6ft3 and is a colossus in the air and adept at winning the ball back and recycling possession, skills which have also seen him picked at centreback.