Club powerless to stop player joining Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino can get his way

 

The bigger Portuguese sport newspapers have finally caught up with claims that Maurico Pochettino is keen to sign Ricardo Pereira for Tottenham. So much so, the club are said to be prepared to pay the player’s €25m Sporting release clause.

O Jogo say the English press have reported the story, but the English press actually got it from Portugal, via a Sabado report. The interest makes sense, especially if Kyle Walker leaves Spurs in the summer window, and Sabado claimed that Pereira is Pochettino’s Plan A.

But Porto won’t be happy sellers at €25m, say O Jogo, Pereira’s two years on loan at Nice have been successful and the 23 year old is arguably worth more. However, with €25m being Pereira’s clause the player will be Tottenham’s if that amount is paid, and the fullback gives his nod to the deal.

What O Jogo don’t mention is Porto’s really poor current financial state. They need money, and need it quickly, so sales have to be made.

It seems like young striker Andre Silva is being pushed towards Russian interest, but he may say no, and what could have been an unwanted Pereira sale could soon be needed.