Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has surrendered that it could be difficult for the Portuguese club to hold onto their star players - Marcus Edwards and Pedro Porro - this month. The latter of the two has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window, with Tottenham believed to be interested.
football.london understands that Antonio Conte has two priorities this month; to sign a new attacking player and a right wing-back. It's believed that the Lilywhites will be looking at both permanent and loan deals in order to grant the Italian his wish.
Tottenham are said to hold strong interest in the former Manchester City youngster, with Fabio Paratici a fan. But, with a number of clubs - such as Chelsea - beginning to rival Spurs for Porro's signature, the north Londoners could risk missing out.
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Amorim has already been quizzed at length regarding the future of the defender, who has a £39.7million release clause. Speaking to Portuguese outlet Record, he said: "We are not as attractive a league as others and we cannot pay the same wages.
"This is a problem, even in relation to Portuguese clubs we have this difficulty," Amorim added. "As was said, they only leave for the clause.
"We are ready. We know the amount of attacks that go through Porro and Edwards, nobody is blind here. But the market is what it is."
Just a few days before the January transfer window flung open, Amorim said at a press conference: "With regard to Pedro Porro, we know that there are players in our team who, because of what they have done, are now wanted by other clubs.
"We had this problem in the summer too. What I was told is that he can only leave if the clause is triggered. And if the clause is triggered, there is nothing we can do.
"He is playing really well. Like me, he is living one of the best moments of his career and he is only focused on Sporting. We are prepared for anything and we know that there are clubs who can pay the clause, but, until that happens, I think Pedro is safe."
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a number of other right wing-backs too. football.london understands that Paratici likes Monaco star Vanderson, with the 21-year-old able to play on the right-hand side.
One consolation in Spurs' pursuit of Porro is that the defender is said to keen on joining Conte's side, according to Fabrizio Romano. Though, for now, it remains to be seen where the Sporting star's future lies.
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