Portuguese newspaper Record today features big front page story claiming Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Benfica defender Morato.
According to the outlet, Spurs have a list of five centre-backs they’re interested in, and the 22-year-old is one of them.
It’s said Tottenham have been keen on the player for a while, and scouted him in the Lisbon derby, when he played as a left-back.
The problem for Spurs is that Benfica do not want to lose the Brazilian and refuse to negotiate him in the January transfer window.
The Eagles feel no need of selling now, and have Morato well protected with a €100m release clause.
The story recalls that Benfica had already resisted to a sale in the summer window, when Fulham offered €25m and Nottingham Forest put €30m on the table.
It’s said that Morato tried to convince the Eagles of accepting the transfer back then, but that didn’t work, and he stayed there.
So if Tottenham want him signed in the middle of the season, they better know that only a very good bid would manage to make Benfica even consider the sale.
