Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is reportedly pressuring the club to make a firm bid for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, even though any transfer is anticipated to set a new club record fee
After joining Spurs from Celtic earlier this summer, the Greek-born Australian officially starts his new role as manager today. But the 57-year-old is already in charge, having a voice in the club’s early summer transfer negotiations.
Indeed, it was Postecoglou‘s call earlier this week to sign both Guglielmo Vicacrio and James Maddison. The goalkeeper joined Spurs for £17 million from Empoli. Meanwhile, Maddison has joined Leicester for a fee of £40 million.
Spurs, on the other hand, are far from done this summer and want to pursue Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven next. To that goal, chairman Daniel Levy has initiated ‘direct conversations’ with Fabrizio Romano, who claims he is “keen” on the transfer.
Tottenham is also aiming to strengthen their center midfield. Postecoglou is also pressing Levy to approach Fulham for Palhinha, according to The Sun (July 1, page 67).
After joining from Sporting Lisbon for £20 million, the Portugal midfielder had a fantastic debut season in the Premier League. The 27-year-old appeared in 40 games in all competitions, scoring four times.
His tigerish antics in the engine room, though, drew the most attention. With 147 tackles, he was the division’s leading tackler. Moises Caicedo came in second with 100 points, demonstrating how the Portuguese was definitely in a league of his own.
This form has prompted to speculation that West Ham are interested in luring Palhinha across London to replace Declan Rice.
The Cottagers, understandably, are not eager to let Palhinha depart without a fight. Despite spending only £20 million for him a year ago, they are now said to be worth roughly £90 million.
Nonetheless, West Ham are drafting a bid in the hope that a sizable offer will persuade Fulham to sell.
Postecoglou, on the other hand, has made Palhinha his next key priority for Spurs.
To that purpose, they are considering a transaction much above their existing club record of £60 million paid to Everton for Richarlison.
If they are to sign, Postecoglou will need to persuade Levy to swallow some of his pride. This is because the Portuguese star was on Tottenham‘s radar last summer. But, after passing up the chance to recruit him for £20 million, Levy will be disappointed to have to pay a far higher amount again.
Furthermore, with Palhinha turning 28 next week, Levy may well wonder how many years he has left at the top.
Spurs may fund the transaction by selling three players.
Postecoglou, on the other hand, appears to be unfazed and intends to persuade Levy to launch a bid.
Spurs, on the other hand, may fund the transaction by releasing several players. Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso are unlikely to be included in the new manager’s plans.
Furthermore, rumors say that the club is eager to sell Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is becoming a target for Atletico Madrid.
Some may be surprised by the trade, but there are concerns about whether the Dane is mobile enough to play Postecoglou‘s style.
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