Tottenham have 'been in negotiations' for Palhinha signing despite limited role

Tottenham have been negotiating the permanent signing of loanee Joao Palhinha despite his limited role under Roberto De Zerbi, explains former Spurs scout Mick Brown.

Spurs are in trouble in the Premier League, with two points separating them and the first safe side, West Ham. But they will still be planning as if they are going to be in the top flight next season.

They have a decision to make on loan midfielder Palhinha, for whom they have the option to buy at £22million. Palhinha has been good at times, but is yet to start since De Zerbi walked through the door - though that may change after he scored the winner against Wolves on Saturday.

Former Spurs scout Brown has heard negotiations have already taken place ahead of the proposed transfer.

He told Football Insider: “I thought Palhinha would be an excellent signing for Tottenham.

“After what he showed at Fulham, earning that move to Bayern Munich, I expected him to come back in and show that again at Tottenham.

“I must admit, that has not gone to plan for him or for Tottenham. Every time I listen to pundits speaking about him, they tear him apart.

“Jamie Carragher, for example, said he hasn’t got the quality to play in the Premier League, and I thought that was harsh based on the things I’ve seen.

“But from Tottenham’s point of view, they can’t listen to what pundits are saying, they’re going to make a decision about him at the end of the season.

“If they stay in the Premier League, I’m sure he will want to make the move, and the manager will assess his squad to see what they can do.

“From what I’ve heard, they’ve already been in negotiations behind the scenes, maybe to bring the price down or find a deal that suits them a bit better.

“So with Tottenham at the moment you just have to wait and see, but they have to make decisions based on their own views, not those of people outside the club.”

Palhinha signing unlikely - Wenham

Another Tottenham insider, John Wenham, feels it's unlikely for the club to recruit Palhinha permanently given the other midfield options available to them.

He told Tottenham News: “I can’t see it as we’re building for hopefully a long-term future with De Zerbi and he is yet to pick him to start, whilst he’s selected all of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

“It seems surprising, and likely just agent or intermediary talk.”