Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur on verge of Pedro Porro signing?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 25 January 2023

Tottenham on verge of Pedro Porro signing?

Tottenham Hotspur could seal the signing of Sporting Lisbon right-back Pedro Porro within the next 48 hours, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly close to sealing the signing of Sporting Lisbon right-back Pedro Porro.

Despite winning the race for the in-demand Djed Spence from Middlesbrough last summer, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has been keen to reinforce his right-back ranks further.

Spence has only played a peripheral role for Tottenham since making the move to North London, while neither Matt Doherty nor Emerson Royal have convinced on a consistent basis.

As a result, Porro has supposedly been identified as Conte's leading target in that area of the field, but Sporting have been reluctant to part ways with the Spaniard unless his €45m (£39.6m) release clause is met.

However, Tottenham are believed to have shown a willingness to pay that amount in recent days, leading to a breakthrough in negotiations as Porro prepares to return to England.

Sporting Lisbon's Pedro Porro in action with Tottenham Hotspur's Ivan Perisic on October 26, 2022 © Reuters

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Sporting are set for a fresh round of talks on Thursday in the hopes of pushing through a deal, which is now "really close" to going through.

Romano adds that Spurs could even seal the signing of the former Manchester City defender within the next 48 hours, but there are still some issues to be ironed out over payment terms.

Porro spent three years on the books at Man City between 2019 and 2022, but two of those were spent on loan at Sporting, and he left permanently in the summer without making a single appearance for Pep Guardiola's team.

The 23-year-old quickly made a name for himself in Portugal, though, helping Ruben Amorim's side complete a Primeira Liga and Taca da Liga double in the 2020-21 season before winning the latter again last term.

Porro has amassed 12 goals and 20 assists in 97 games for Sporting over the past two and a half years, including three strikes and 11 assists from 25 outings in all tournaments this season.

Antonio Conte in charge of Tottenham Hotspur in January 2023 © Reuters

The one-cap Spain international started both of Sporting's Champions League group-stage games against Tottenham earlier this season, and his arrival could pave the way for Spence to leave on loan.

The 22-year-old has only made six substitute appearances for the Lilywhites during his debut season, and Leicester City and Brentford are said to be interested in a temporary deal.

Porro could become Spurs' second signing of the winter transfer window after the North London club confirmed the signing of Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long loan on Wednesday.

Tottenham successfully hijacked Everton's move for the 25-year-old, who had agreed terms and conducted pre-announcement media duties with the Toffees before the sacking of Frank Lampard led to a sudden change of heart.

Danjuma refused to send off his signed Everton contract to the FA, and Tottenham quickly swooped to seal the signing of the Dutchman, whose loan deal also includes an option to buy.

Danjuma could make his debut for Spurs when Conte's side travel to Preston North End in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening.