Tottenham Hotspur sent an official to Porto’s league game against Estoril last night.
As reported by A Bola, Spurs officials went to Portugal’s north to watch the Dragons’ first game of the season, and saw them thrash the opponents 4-0.
The newspaper doesn’t say who the English club were watching, but one target obviously jumps out: Ricardo Pereira.
He was the only Porto player to be seriously linked with Tottenham this summer, and it would make perfect sense for Mauricio Pochettino to go after him since the departure of Kyle Walker to Manchester City.
The 23-year-old’s performance was described as ‘discreet’ by local newspaper O Jogo. He was praised for doing a good job defending and showing speed when attacking, and got a 6 out of 10 ratings.
Pereira spent the last two seasons on loan at French side Nice, and only now Porto realised the good right back they have available. The player has a €25m release clause, although the Portuguese club’s intention is to change it as soon as possible.
Tottenham were said to have made a first offer in July, around €15m, some way below the reasonably priced clause. That was knocked back but Spurs were said to be insistent about getting a deal done.
Scouts from Leicester City, Manchester United, Manchester City, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund, Lille, Montpellier and Atalanta were all sent to this game as well.
