Possible Tottenham Hotspur target Fabio Vieira is one of the ‘most highly thought of’ stars in his current side FC Porto, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 21-year-old is enjoying an outstanding season with the Dragons and has reportedly attracted the attention of some of the Premier League’s top teams.
What is the latest news involving Vieira?
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Vieira rejected a move to Liverpool in last summer’s transfer window before elevating his game to new heights in the current campaign.
The midfield maestro has racked up a whopping 12 assists in just 24 appearances this season, adding a further two goals, playing a pivotal part in Porto’s rise to the top of the Primeira Liga table.
And O Jogo (as relayed by Sport Witness) claim Tottenham scouts were in attendance on Friday as Sergio Conceição’s charges drew 2-2 in an enthralling encounter with Sporting Lisbon.
Although the report doesn’t detail exactly what the Spurs officials were doing at the Estádio do Dragão, it does state that Vieira was a possible target of their interest.
Supporters of the north London outfit will be hoping that the club’s hierarchy learn from their previous mistakes if they do pursue a deal for the Portugal Under-21 international, though.
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Liverpool pipped them to the signature of Luis Diaz last month after the player's father claimed the capital club ‘hesitated’, but they could get their revenge by snapping up Vieira in the summer.
What has Jones said about Vieira?
Tottenham’s scouts weren’t the only English contingent in attendance to watch Porto take on Sporting on Friday as Jones was also there to take in the spectacle.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he revealed that Vieira ‘had a great game’ before claiming Spurs would be hopeful of having some ‘joy’ if they attempt to sign the Primeira Liga’s top talents.
Jones told GMS: “Yeah, it's certainly one of those leagues where you hope to have more joy and less competition for signings. Fabio Vieira had a great game (against Sporting Lisbon), and he's definitely one of the players in that side that's most highly thought of.”
Would Vieira be a good signing?
Despite Vieira’s obvious talent and potential to improve, it’s questionable whether the 5 foot 6 gem would be a good fit for Conte’s system.
Although the youngster has turned out as a right midfielder more than any other position in his senior career, he has made the No.10 position his own this season.
However, that role doesn’t exist in either of Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 or 5-3-2 systems, and the Italian tactician axed the likes of Dele Alli, Giovani Lo Celso, Bryan Gil and Tanguy Ndombele last month as a result.
Therefore, Spurs may be better off targeting a midfielder better suited to Conte’s demands.