Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful of agreeing a transfer for Sporting CP star Pedro Porro to solve a huge problem faced by Antonio Conte at right wing-back. Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have struggled to nail down the position, while summer arrival Djed Spence has been handed barely any minutes by the Italian to stake his claim in the position.
Since the return of the Premier League season Doherty has been the man deployed by Conte in the position after Emerson had often been selected on the right of back five before the season was paused for the World Cup. Impressive attacking displays in Spurs' mini pre-season before league action resumed on Boxing Day from Doherty won him the place, but he has struggled to show that same end product against both Brentford and Aston Villa.
Right wing-back has now seemingly become a positional priority that needs recruitment by Spurs, ahead of moves for a creative midfielder and centre-back which are arguably far more important, and a possible acquisition for the winter window has been identified.
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Sporting's Pedro Porro has been heavily linked with a move to north London and Spurs have been told by the manager of the Portuguese outfit, Ruben Amorim, exactly how they can acquire the services of the 23-year-old.
“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,” he said at a press conference.
“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.
“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.”
The former Manchester City man's release clause stands at £39million and despite those claims from Amorim, according to Marco Barzaghi Spurs are closing in on a deal for Porro with a bid in the region of £30million.
The Italian journalist also notes that Man City, despite the possibility of going up against their former player twice in a few weeks if he joins Spurs, would actually be given a boost if Porro made a Premier League return.
A clause in the contract of Porro would see Man City paid 30% of any profit Sporting make on Porro’s sale which would mean £9million will head to City if Spurs agree the proposed £30million deal for Porro.
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