Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte seems desperate to add a new right wing-back to his squad in January.
Sporting defender Pedro Porro is the club’s top priority, but negotiations have been difficult so far.
A report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo has revealed why talks may be going slowly.
Conte has made it clear that none of Tottenham’s current options on the right are what he wants.
Emerson Royal has struggled this season, and recently been linked with a move away from the club.
Matt Doherty has been in and out of the team, but is very happy at Spurs right now.
After arriving in the summer from Middlesbrough, Djed Spence has barely been given a chance by Conte.
Porro could be the player who solves all of these issues for Spurs, but a deal has been hard to negotiate.
Sporting CP seem very keen for Porro only to leave when his £40m release clause has been met.
However, O Jogo now suggest that Porro’s last game for Sporting could be this weekend.
This may be the key as to why Tottenham have struggled to agree a deal with the 23-year-old.
Porro about to play last Sporting game
The Portuguese publication suggests that Sporting’s club president Frederico Varandes has had a big say on Porro’s future.
They believe that Varandes was never willing to negotiate any deal until Sporting had played nearest rivals Benfica this weekend.
‘The idea is to protect the player’ O Jogo said, as they wanted to avoid all distractions before the match.
It’s a very understandable position for Sporting to have, given how massive their rivalry with Benfica is.
And Porro has been brilliant this season, and so if he is about to play his last game for Sporting, it may as well be a huge match.
The ex-Manchester City defender could end up being available for less than £40m after this weekend.
If the club are more willing to negotiate next week, then Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici will have to act quickly to secure his signature.
