Pedro Porro to Tottenham: Spurs duo making deal for 23-year-old harder

By Milo Clay

Tottenham Hotspur duo Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal are actually making it harder for them to sign Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Porro, according to the Evening Standard. 

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old over the past week, with the Standard also claiming that he’s Antonio Conte’s top target this month. 

Both Royal and Doherty have failed to nail down a place in the right wing-back role under Conte so far.

The Brazilian has proven to be a decent enough defender but lacks any real quality in the final third. While Doherty is certainly more productive going forward than Emerson, the Irishman has been off the pace since returning from a knee injury. 

Conte is understandably aiming to upgrade his options in the position but it seems that the pair are complicating a potential move for Porro.  

Emerson and Doherty making Porro deal more difficult 

Tottenham’s hopes of landing a new right wing-back are not straightforward due to the fact that both Royal and Doherty are happy in north London, claims the Evening Standard.

Spurs are keen to bring in Porro this month but the outlet notes that Conte could encounter squad management issues with three senior players in the role. 

Emerson is attracting interest from European clubs but he is apparently happy in London. While Doherty recently said that he wants to continue to work under Conte amid rumours that he could be sold. 

TBR View: Tottenham need to start acting like a big club 

If Porro is indeed Tottenham’s priority this month, then they should be moving for the player with haste, rather than worrying about having too many options for one position. 

Liverpool have plenty of forward options but still wrapped up a deal for Cody Gakpo, while Chelsea’s current centre-backs also didn’t prevent them from moving for Benoit Badiashile. 

Tottenham’s shortcomings at right wing-back have been evident for well over a year and they have an opportunity to solve the issue by triggering Porro’s release clause. 

If Spurs want to keep pace with the biggest clubs in the league, they need to start acting like they belong at the top-end of the table.