Tottenham nearing perfect £35m signing that has huge ramifications on Conte future and two current stars
Conte #Conte
Tottenham are ‘close to completing’ their first January signing to the tune of £35m, and the arrival could have a major say on the futures of Antonio Conte and two current stars, per reports.
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Conte’s current contract is due to expire at season’s end and there’s been widespread speculation a return to Juventus could materialise if fresh terms aren’t penned.
Per the Daily Star, extension talks are currently underway, though the Italian wants guarantees he’ll be backed in the market before signing on the dotted line.
As such, the January window presents the perfect chance for Tottenham to make a statement to their manager as much as their top four rivals.
A problem position in desperate need of addressing is right wing-back.
Conte does not lack for options at present, with Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Djed Spence all on the books.
However, Spence has barely got a look-in since arriving from Middlesbrough, while neither Emerson or Doherty have shone this season.
Now, the Star report Spurs are close to resolving their issue by signing Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro.
The 23-year-old has been in Lisbon for over two years, though only joined outright last summer.
Sporting triggered a £7m option to sign Porro following a two-year loan from Man City. Porro developed into an ultra-threatening wing-back during that initial stint.
Indeed, the Spain international was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Season two years running. In the current campaign he’s notched two goals and 10 assists from just 21 matches across all competitions.
Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim previously reported Sporting would not accept anything less than Porro’s approximately £40m release clause if selling in January.
However, the Star claim Spurs are close to completing a deal for the slightly reduced sum of £35m.
It’s claimed Conte expects the deal to cross the line ‘by the end of the week’.
If Porro does arrive, the chances of Conte penning fresh terms will also increase, per the report. The Italian has called for financial backing in the market and a £35m outlay for a problem position is exactly what he craves.
A Porro move could also have ramifications on either Emerson or Doherty. It’s suggested one of the pair could be moved on, likely in a permanent capacity.
READ MORE: Tottenham linked with stunning January move for former player Conte wants back in London