Palmeiras won’t sell reported Tottenham Hotspur target Gabriel Menino for a penny less than £20 million, club co-ordinator Joao Paulo Sampaio has told UOL Esporte.
The 20-year-old may be known in South America as Brazil’s answer to Yaya Toure – but is the ‘new Dani Alves’ a more accurate moniker for a player who has adapted brilliantly to a right-back role in recent times.
Menino was handed his first international call-up in September, chosen ahead of the legendary Alves no less, after catching the eye with his rampaging performances down the flanks at Palmeiras.
Tottenham’s own right-back problems have come to the fore in recent weeks. Serge Aurier looks destined to depart, Matt Doherty has flattered to deceive, while Japhet Tanganga seemed a square peg in a round hole during last night’s defeat to Aston Villa.
Menino, therefore, could be tasked with solving a problem that has caused no end of headaches in north London since Kieran Trippier was sold in 2019.
In March, Sky reported Spurs were eyeing a summer deal for Menino, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
The Brazilian has a £50 million release clause in his contract but Palmeiras, hit hard by the pandemic, may be willing to cash in on one of their most sellable assets for much less.
“Gabriel Menino? He doesn’t leave for less than 20 million,” Sampaio says.
The Palmeiras co-ordinator insists another Premier League target – Manchester City-linked Patrick de Paula – is valued between £15 million and £20 million.
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