Tottenham target Pedro Porro will only be allowed to leave Sporting in the January transfer window if his €45 million (£39.6 million) release clause is met, according to Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.
Emerson Royal has given a number of ineffective and error-filled performances for the north Londoners, while Matt Doherty and summer signing Djed Spence have found it difficult to get into Antonio Conte’s starting lineups.
And Fabio Paratici, is said to have identified Porro as a possible solution to their right back crisis, after being impressed by the attack-minded Spaniard’s five assists in 15 league and European appearances this season.
Spurs are said to have begun talks with Sporting, and there have even been rumours that they may waive a sell-on clause owed to Marcus Edwards in order to reduce the fee required to sign Porro.
However, Amorim claims that he has since received assurance from Sporting’s management that his 23-year-old full-back will only be allowed to leave if a club expresses interest and fully meets his £39.6 million release clause.
Speaking at a press conference, he said (via Mirror):
‘With regard to Pedro Porro, we know that there are players in our team who, because of what they have done, are now wanted by other clubs. We had this problem in the summer too.
‘What I was told is that he can only leave if the clause is triggered. And if the clause is triggered, there is nothing we can do.
‘He is playing really well. Like me, he is living one of the best moments of his career and he is only focused on Sporting.
‘We are prepared for anything and we know that there are clubs who can pay the clause. But, until that happens, I think Pedro is safe.’
In addition to a new right wing-back, Spurs are reportedly interested in signing a centre-back and a playmaker to fill in for Dejan Kulusevski, whose absence during his injury was felt keenly.
