Tottenham are reportedly ‘trying to figure out’ if Chelsea have legitimate interest in Pedro Porro, and they need ‘to be careful’ that a Mykhaylo Mudryk situation doesn’t occur.
Spurs’ interest in Porro is a legitimate one that has lasted for some time. For much of this transfer window, they have been trying to figure out the best way to land him.
It has been clear, from Sporting Lisbon’s perspective, what that would be – paying his £40million release clause.
However, that is what Spurs have been trying to avoid for their entire pursuit. Indeed, it seems Daniel Levy thinks he can get Sporting to accept an offer below their asking price.
As yet, that has not been possible, and they seem to be holding firm on their valuation.
However, Tottenham might be forced to pay soon, if they are truly serious about landing Porro.
Indeed, there could well be something at the back of their minds that forces their hand.
That is interest from their London rivals, Chelsea. In early January, it was reported that the Blues were planning to hijack Spurs’ deal for Porro.
Tottenham wary of Mudryk situation in Porro pursuit
The Blues have previous for snatching a star from under a rival’s nose. Just this window, Arsenal seemed to be closing in on Shakhtar winger Mudryk, with only negotiations over his price tag to go, when Chelsea swooped and bought him themselves.
As such, transfer insider Dean Jones thinks Tottenham are wary of that situation happening to them.
“I think they’re also trying to figure out if there’s even any competition to sign this guy,” he told GIVEMESPORT.
“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 Mykhaylo 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.”
It would not be a surprise if the Blues waited until the deal was nearly done and snatched Porro themselves, just to flex their muscles.
Chelsea interest could benefit Sporting
For the selling side, legitimate interest from Chelsea would be fantastic. If the Blues were to sign him, they would likely have no problems in paying his release clause.
They have already spent north of £150million this window, and show little signs of slowing down.
However, if Spurs believe the interest from their rivals is real, it could kick them in the gear. If they are genuinely worried that they will lose out on Porro, that could be the catalyst for them paying the asking price.
Either way, they should probably do that. They will not want to lose out to Chelsea for one, but Porro also seems like a perfect addition to their side.
His attacking prowess from wing-back – 15 goal contributions in 24 games this season – would be a massive addition to Spurs. They would kick themselves if they didn’t manage to land him because they wanted to save a few million.