Record breaking Transfer: Tottenham ready to shatter their transfer record for brilliant Prem star as Postecoglou wrecks West Ham plan
Tottenham ready to shatter their transfer record for brilliant Prem star as Postecoglou wrecks West Ham plan
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is reportedly urging the club to make a firm move to sign Joao Palhinha – but any deal for the Fulham midfielder is likely to set them back a new club-record fee.
The Greek-born Aussie officially takes up his new job as Spurs boss today after making the move south from Celtic earlier this summer. But the 57-year-old already has his feet firmly under the desk, having a say in their early summer transfer dealings.
Indeed, it was Postecoglou’s call to sign both Guglielmo Vicacrio and James Maddison earlier this week. The keeper arrives at Spurs having cost £17m from Empoli. Maddison, meanwhile, has made a £40m move from Leicester.
However, Spurs are far from finished this summer and next want to sign Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven. To that end, chairman Daniel Levy has opened ‘direct talks’ to sign the Dutchman, with Fabrizio Romano claiming he’s “keen” on the move.
In addition, Tottenham are also looking to bolster their central midfield. And according to The Sun (July 1, page 67), Postecoglou is urging Levy to make an approach to Fulham for Palhinha.
The Portugal midfielder enjoyed a brilliant first season in the Premier League after arriving from Sporting Lisbon for just £20m. The 27-year-old made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times.
However, it was his tigerish displays in the engine room that really caught the eye. Indeed, he was the leading tackler in the division, with 147. Next best on the list was Moises Caicedo with 100, illustrating how the Portuguese was clearly in a class of his own.
That form has led to suggestions that West Ham are keen to lure Palhinha across London as Declan Rice’s replacement.
Understandably, the Cottagers are not willing to let Palhinha leave without a fight. Despite paying just £20m for him a year ago, they reportedly now value the player at around the £90m mark.
Nonetheless, West Ham are reportedly preparing an approach amid a belief that a sizeable offer will convince Fulham to sell.
However, Postecoglou is now making Palhinha his next major target for Spurs.
To that end, they are reportedly mulling over a deal well in excess of their club-record, which currently stands at the £60m paid to Everton for Richarlison.
If they are to make the signing, however, Postecoglou will need to convince Levy to swallow his pride somewhat. That’s because the Portuguese star was on Tottenham’s radar last summer. But with the club passing up the chance to sign him for £20m, it will hurt Levy somewhat having to fork out a much more sizeable fee now.
Furthermore, with the player turning 28 next week, Levy might well ask just how many years left at the top Palhinha will have.
Spurs can finance deal by selling trio
However, Postecoglou seemingly remains determined and reportedly hopes to convince Levy to launch a bid.
Spurs can, however, finance the deal by allowing a string of players to depart. Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele are unlikely to feature in the new manager’s plans.
Furthermore, reports also claim the club are willing to cash in on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is emerging as a target for Atletico Madrid.
That sale might surprise a few, but there are questions over whether the Dane is mobile enough to play the Postecoglou way.
