Tottenham have reportedly opened talks with Sporting CP over a potential deal for wing-back Pedro Porro.
The North Londoners are looking for reinforcements in defence as they look to turn their season around after a poor run of results of late. Antonio Conte wants a wing-back as a priority in this transfer window as he is not fully convinced with the current options at his disposal.
According to 90min, Tottenham want to sign Pedro Porro and remain in talks with Sporting CP, who will only sell their wing-back if his €45m release clause is met. However, Spurs have been reluctant to pay that amount up front for the player and would rather spread it over several instalments, the report adds.
Porro, 23, completed a permanent transfer to Sporting CP last summer after two successful loan spells from Manchester City. He has enjoyed a solid season with Sporting, registering two goals and 10 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. The one-cap Portugal international caught the eye in two Champions League outings against Spurs earlier this campaign.
Pedro Porro to Tottenham—Should Spurs splash the cash?
Antonio Conte has identified the wing-back as one of the areas in immediate need of addressing, with neither Matt Doherty nor Emerson Royal delivering consistent performances. Djed Spence has barely featured for Spurs since his summer move from Middlesbrough and could be loaned out this month.
Spurs are enduring a difficult second part of the season after the World Cup, and it could be that a signing like Pedro Porro would help turn things around for them. Porro looks a promising talent capable of playing at right-back, right-sided midfielder or right wing-back, and that could breathe new life into Antonio Conte’s squad as it requires some freshening up.
The Portuguese excels at the attacking side of the game, capable of creating chances for his teammates by making incisive passes in the final third or delivering pin-point crosses into the box. Progressing the ball from deep areas and burst of acceleration are his strengths, and he would help to make Conte’s side far more enterprising going forward.
As evidenced by his numbers for Sporting so far this season, Porro would be a straight upgrade over Emerson Royal. He has the qualities to make an immediate impact at Spurs, while being the ideal player to cover and compete with Doherty for the right wing-back spot.
It won’t necessarily be an easy deal for Spurs to get done, as Porro arrived at the club permanently only last year and there’s little pressure on Sporting to sell for anything other than his €45m release clause. Going by his age, potential and qualities, Spurs must not hesitate to trigger his buyout clause and sign him quickly.
