Sporting CP to challenge Tottenham for Joao Palhinha | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich last summer, and he has been a reliable presence for the North London outfit.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is keen on keeping the Portugal international (37 caps) beyond this summer, a point he has reiterated more than once.

However, Tottenham face serious competition for his signature, as his former club Sporting CP are also seriously interested in signing him and have opened talks.

They can offer him Champions League football, which Spurs cannot, and that could sway his decision.

The report claims he is focused on Tottenham, but the club needs to act quickly if it is going to tie him down.

Palhinha came in to plug the big gaping hole in front of Tottenham’s defence and did so well, despite his limitations (progressive passing).

He is solid at protecting the backline and breaking up play. The 30-year-old also has a knack for important goals.

If De Zerbi has asked Spurs to keep him, then they must do everything to fend off the interest from Portugal and sign him permanently.

Tottenham still need another defensive midfielder

However, even after Spurs manage to secure Palhinha’s signature, they still need a younger, equally solid, but more progressive holding midfielder in the ranks.

Yves Bissouma should be on his way out of the club this summer, and Tottenham could use another number six. One name that should be on their radar is Andrey Santos.

The Chelsea man was recently omitted from the Brazilian national team after struggling to make consistent appearances throughout the season.

Tottenham should capitalise on this opportunity and place themselves at the front of the queue for his signature.

He is a talented midfielder who only needs consistent playing time.

De Zerbi can mould him into a world-beater that dominates midfield battles on the grandest stages.