Tottenham Hotspur have been ‘denied’ in their pursuit for Sporting midfielder João Palhinha.
That’s what is said in a headline from Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã today, even though the story doesn’t really sound as strong as it first looks.
The outlet writes that Spurs and manager Nuno Espírito Santo are interested in signing the 26-year-old, who’s just had a good Euros with Portugal.
However, Sporting have ‘made it known’ that they aren’t negotiating the player this summer, and whoever wants to get him will need to trigger his €60m release clause.
Correio da Manhã claims that Tottenham are not willing to spend that much on the player, and that’s why this is all the story has to say.
Like we wrote, by the way Correio da Manhã puts their headline, that sounds like Tottenham made an offer for Palhinha and had it turned down by Sporting, which is clearly not the case here.
The midfielder has just returned to the Lions following his days off after the Euros and has started training with the team for the pre-season.
Since Spurs are still to make a bid for the table, it’s hard to tell if the Lisbon side will really demand the €60m or if they’re just bluffing to get a good deal this summer.
