Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is reportedly pressuring the club to make a firm bid for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, despite the fact that 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.
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).
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 apparently drafting a bid in the hope that a sizable offer will persuade Fulham to sell.
To that purpose, they are apparently 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 due to the fact that the Portuguese star was on Tottenham‘s radar last summer. But, after passed 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 apparently intends to persuade Levy to launch a bid.
Furthermore, rumours 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.
Tottenham’s new manager is “convinced” that his young star can solve a problem position.
Destiny Udogie joined Tottenham from Udinese last summer, and the Italian full-back is likely to return, however his future is questionable owing to a system change.
Spurs signed the Italian last summer on a long-term contract as a full-back potential, with compatriot Antonio Conte reportedly considering him as perfect in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation. He spent last season on loan with his previous club Udinese in Serie A, when Conte was fired.
He has been replaced by Ange Postecoglou, with the arrival of the Australian expected to inspire a tactical shift – the former Celtic manager is reported to be contemplating a more offensive 4-3-3 style. This has been identified as a possible issue for Udogie, which might result in a return to Serie A.
“Udogie‘s narrative is straightforward. He’s from Tottenham, and we’ve had touch in the previous few days since they’ve changed management, coach, and will now play 4-3-3 rather than 3-5-2,” he explained.
Although the advice from national team personnel suggests high expectations for the young full-back, Antonelli went on to describe the Spurs’ desire to incorporate the player in their pre-season plans. He went on to say that the Spurs intend to bring him along on their forthcoming pre-season tour of Asia and the Pacific.
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