Tottenham are not ready to give up on their primary right-back target Pedro Porro, as Sporting CP continue to demand the release clause.
Fabrizio Romano has stated Tottenham are not ready to give up on the pursuit of Pedro Porro. The right-back emerged as their top target in this window, but Sporting CP remains adamant about his €45 million release clause.
Tottenham are yet to make any significant headway with their January business. After back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City in the league, Spurs are steadily slipping away from the top-four race. Six points separate them from fourth-placed Manchester United.
Star striker Harry Kane and manager Antonio Conte’s futures also remain uncertain. The Italian’s situation could have made Daniel Levy wary of investing in January after their summer outlay. Most of those signings are yet to showcase their worth, as a worrying trend evolves at the club.
Conte is showing no signs of renewing but remains keen to strengthen the squad in this window. He is seeking reinforcements in several areas and wants to improve the first team rather than the squad as a whole. Sporting CP’s 23-year-old defender Pedro Porro remains his primary target. Tottenham, however, are nowhere near securing his signature.
Tottenham are not giving up on Pedro Porro deal despite Sporting stance not changing: €45m release clause or no way. Spurs will insist again this week. 🚨⚪️ #THFC
Last week, Tottenham proposal also included one player but it was rejected. New round of talks, soon. pic.twitter.com/PWBok5hWu5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2023
Sporting CP reportedly rejected a €34 million bid from Spurs, as they pointed towards Porro’s €45 million release clause. The Portuguese side have no interest in selling the right-back this month and suggested clubs should trigger the exit clause to sign him.
Spurs have shown reluctance to pay that price and reportedly made a series of proposals with different ideas. They even included a player in part-exchange and even proposed Sporting CP 50% rights of forward Marcus Edwards. Sporting remained unfazed by those offers and again pointed towards the release clause.
Tottenham reportedly prepared a ‘final’ proposal for the 23-year-old defender. Now, Fabrizio Romano insists they could continue their push and hold talks with the Portuguese side. The Italian journalist suggests Spurs are not giving up on Porro and want to push ahead with the deal. Whether they are open to paying the €45 million release clause remains the question.
Without it, Sporting will not cave in and accept a lower bid. Conte is keen to add Porro and strengthen the right wing-back slot. His current options, Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have underwhelmed this season. Meanwhile, summer arrival Djed Spence is yet to gain the Italian’s complete trust.
