Tottenham Hotspur are still pushing to sign Pedro Porro and are trying to figure out whether Chelsea really want the Sporting star or not.
That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who has been speaking to Give Me Sport.
Jones claims that Tottenham are really trying to learn whether there is serious competition for Porro.
Reporter Simon Phillips claimed just last week that Chelsea have made Porro their top priority target after securing Mykhailo Mudryk.
Chelsea want proper cover and competition for Reece James at right wing back and Porro seems to have popped onto their radar.
Jones suggests that Tottenham aren’t totally convinced that Chelsea seriously want Porro, even if there is a fear of being hijacked just as Arsenal were for Mudryk.
Tottenham are digging around trying to figure out if there is a real chance Porro ends up at Stamford Bridge, or whether Sporting are putting out noises to try and force Spurs into a deal.
“I think they’re also trying to figure out if there’s even any competition to sign this guy,” said Jones. “Chelsea have been linked. I’m not sure Tottenham are totally convinced whether to take the interest seriously. I mean, they’ve got to be careful, because obviously, we thought the same thing with Mykhailo Mudryk, we thought that might just be a little play to tease Arsenal.”
“But ultimately, they’ve gone ahead and actually signed him. So I think Tottenham are trying to gauge the interest of Chelsea right now, too,” he added.
It feels like now or never for Tottenham and Pedro Porro
This transfer saga has been rumbling on for months now after Porro impressed against Spurs in the Champions League.
Tottenham have been making moves for Porro but have yet to convince Sporting to sell.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Tottenham have offered a player plus guaranteed cash for Porro, but Sporting are demanding his €45million (£40million) release clause in full.
Spanish newspaper AS noted over the weekend that Tottenham are ready to make one final bid for Porro.
That report added that, if Porro stays at Sporting beyond the transfer deadline, Real Madrid will move for him in the summer.
Chelsea may be the least of Tottenham’s worries but this really is starting to feel like now or never.
Sporting are standing firm on their valuation and if Tottenham won’t pay it, somebody surely will.
Porro has now racked up three goals and 11 assists and the ‘very special’ former Manchester City talent seems to be just what Tottenham need.
The situation is now simple – pay up or move on. Tottenham fans will hope it’s the former.
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