'Tottenham love the player': Romano claims Spurs want to sign £40m ace who's 'perfect' for Conte

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur have begun their pursuit of a new right wing-back, with the January transfer window in full swing.

Spurs have had their fair share of issues in that position and they were always going to look for reinforcements.

Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have both done well at times, but there are certainly upgrades available.

Meanwhile, Djed Spence is a top talent, but Antonio Conte doesn’t think he’s ready for an extended first-team run.

Tottenham have reportedly made Sporting CP’s Pedro Porro their top priority at right wing-back.

However, the Primeira Liga giants are playing hardball over their player.

They don’t want to let him go for any less than his £40million release clause.

‘Tottenham appreciate the player’

On Friday, Fabrizio Romano spoke about the state of play regarding Tottenham and Porro.

“We know that they’re looking for a right-back,” he said on his YouTube channel.

“And I’m told that Pedro Porro, playing for Sporting, really good player, is their top priority as right-back.

“Tottenham appreciate the player, Tottenham love the player, they consider him perfect for Antonio Conte’s football.

“But there is an important point now. It’s about Sporting.

“When Ruben Amorim signed a new contract with the club a few months ago, I’m told that in that meeting, Sporting told him no big players will leave in January.

“Otherwise was not the case to continue so he signed a new contract.

“But what is the point (is that) Pedro Porro has a release close into his contract that is €45m.

“He joined from Manchester City in the summer and Man City have a buyback clause for 25 million Euros.

“So for Man City it’s a very good opportunity, but at the moment they are not looking at that kind of signing in January as of now

“Tottenham want the new right-back but Sporting have been very clear – release clause 45 millions or nothing

“So let’s see what Tottenham will do. Let’s see if some proposal for the other players will arrive, and so if they can collect money to attack Pedro Porro and other potential targets.”

One to watch

As good as Porro is, £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.