Lucas Moura is not in talks with Palmeiras but could leave Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur for another club in Europe, the former Brazil international’s agent tells Jorge Nicola.
With injury issues threatening to ruin his final season in North London, Lucas’ hopes of a joyful departure seem slim; his Tottenham career ending not with a roar but a whimper.
The former PSG forward will become a free-agent in July. And Antonio Conte has already confirmed that Lucas will not be handed a new deal; a decision made by the club rather than the manager.
“You know this is a decision of the club,” Conte tells Football London; not the first time an important call has been made by those upstairs.
“Honestly, in my mind when we planned the season Lucas was an important player for us. A player like Lucas is a good player. Also last season he helped us reach the Champions League.
“In my mind, my plan was to have him in my squad. But we didn’t have possibility to use him because of the injuries.”
Where will Lucas Moura go after leaving Tottenham Hotspur?
Lucas has started only three games in all competitions this term; the most recent last week’s humbling FA Cup exit at second-tier Sheffield United. The now-30-year-old schemer may be concerned, meanwhile, that these niggling fitness issues will impede his ability to find employment this side of the Atlantic.
Lucas, despite admitting that he plans to return to Sao Paulo at some point in the near future, appears to have his heart set on joining another Europe-based club when his contract expires.
“It is still early to close (a deal) with any club,” explains agent Junior Pedroso, quoted by Jorge Nicola. “I can assure you that we are meeting with many interested teams in Europe.”
Sevilla, Fenerbahce Newcastle United and Everton have all been linked. Lucas is reportedly a target for Palmeiras too but Pedroso – after ruling out a switch to Flamengo – was similarly disparaging about Palmeiras’ chances.
“It’s not true,” the agent adds. “There was no contact from Palmeiras. No poll, no proposal.”
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