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According to a source, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is pleading with chairman Daniel Levy to make a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Is Joao Palhinha set to leave Fulham this summer?
Palhinha appeared to rule out a move this summer in June, declaring that he is “very happy” at Fulham and wants to stay, but that hasn’t stopped a number of big clubs from expressing their interest.
According to the Daily Mail, the Cottagers are willing to allow the Portugal international depart during this window if their £90 million asking price is met in full, despite interest from Barcelona, who have identified him as a target to replace Sergio Busquets.
West Ham United and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in recent weeks, and Postecoglou is now eager for Spurs to make their first approach, given the mounting interest from elsewhere.
According to The Sun (via TEAMtalk), the Tottenham manager is pleading with Levy to make a concrete approach for the Fulham star, but any deal is likely to cost Tottenham back a new club record sum.
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Despite spending only £20 million for the midfielder a year ago, Fulham now value him at £90 million, and Spurs are considering a deal far in excess of their club record of £60 million for Richarlison.
Postecoglou aims to persuade Levy to launch an offer, and the Lilywhites may attempt to fund the transaction by selling players like Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.
Is Palhinha joining Tottenham?
Tottenham have not made any firm efforts for the Portuguese maestro, so a deal is still a long way off, but he might be a wonderful addition to Postecoglou’s side if interest grows.
Last season, the former Sporting CP man made 147 tackles in the Premier League, 47 more than any other player in the top flight, demonstrating his exceptional defensive abilities, and he also ranks in the 92nd percentile for aerials won per 90 in the previous year.
The center midfielder, dubbed a “beast” by the media, appears to be approaching his prime, with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, but there are still doubts about whether Spurs should pursue him.
Palhinha reaches 28 later this month, so it may not be financially prudent to pay £90 million on a player who is nearing the end of his career, especially given that he has only played in the Premier League for one season.