Report: Tottenham will step up efforts to sign £40m ace who’s ‘one of the best full-backs’ around

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Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with Sporting CP’s Pedro Porro in recent weeks.

With the January transfer window in full swing, Spurs are now working to strike a potential deal.

However, Tottenham are seemingly struggling in negotiations against Sporting, who are playing hardball.

This is according to Portuguese outlet Record, via Sport Witness.

They claim Tottenham have got in touch with the Primeira Liga side in pursuit of Porro.

However, Sporting told Spurs that the 23-year-old will not leave for less than his €45m (£40m) release clause.

Tottenham reportedly feel this is too much, but still they ‘will insist’ in hope of signing Porro for a lower price.

Antonio Conte is apparently a big fan of Porro and really wants him in the Spurs squad.

Other Portuguese outlets have reported that Sporting may be willing to accept a small discount for their player.

By contrast, Record saying the Lions don’t want – or need – to settle for less than the release clause.

They’re said to have a healthy financial situation and feel no need to sell the player right now.

‘He has the capacity’

Tottenham could certainly do with bolstering their right wing-back ranks.

Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal have been decent at times but haven’t shown themselves to be consistently world class.

Meanwhile, Conte doesn’t seem convinced about Djed Spence’s ability to start regularly just yet.

With that in mind, a new RWB is likely to be a priority, and Porro had been deemed ‘one of the best full-backs’ around.

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim recently told Record: “Everyone knows Porro now.

“It’s impossible not to look at him as one of the best full-backs. I’ve already mentioned the club’s idea to him.

“If they beat the clause it will be impossible, until then I hope to count on him. He has the capacity to take the ball forward.

“With Porro, our football already passes through him so much, we have to work without dramas, it would be difficult to replace him during the season.”

However, £40m is a steep fee, particularly in the January window, and for a player who’s untested in the Premier League.

Admittedly, Porro did spend time at Manchester City, so he’s not completely unfamiliar with the English game.

However, he didn’t make any appearances.

That said, Conte seems convinced that Porro fits the bill, so we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.