West Ham tried and failed to negotiate with Sporting Lisbon over William Carvalho last summer – but now its the turn of Premier League rivals Spurs, who are targeting a different player.
Tottenham Hotspur only have to glance across at their bitter London neighbours to know that they will have their work cut out trying to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon this summer.
The 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and assisted a further 16 in all competitions this season and his eye for the spectacular makes him one of Europe’s most exciting midfield prospects. His stunning long-range strike in the recent Europa League round-of-16 tie with Astana should explain why Spurs are so interested.
But, as West Ham will tell you, it is not easy negotiating with Sporting’s outspoken president Bruno de Carvalho.
The Hammers were desperate to sign Portuguese international midfielder William Carvalho from the Primeira Liga giants last summer and The Sun claimed that they had even agreed personal terms ahead of a £32 million deal.
But the report adds that Sporting suddenly changed the goalposts – demanding a further £4.5 million at the eleventh hour. The deal obviously broke down as an unseemly war of words developed between the two clubs.
So, if Spurs want Fernandes, the notoriously difficult Daniel Levy could face one of his biggest challenges yet. There is an £87 million release clause in Fernandes’ contract, meaning Spurs will have to haggle to agree on a respectable price.
Where Sporting are concerned, this is easier said than done.
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