Tottenham Hotspur are locked in 'ongoing' talks as they look to lure Sporting star Pedro Porro to Hotspur Way, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has told GiveMeSport.
Spurs completed their first signing of the January window on Wednesday, after persuading Villarreal attacker Arnaut Danjuma to snub Everton in favour of a loan switch to north London, but head coach Antonio Conte could welcome further reinforcements ahead of the fast-approaching transfer deadline.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Tottenham transfer news - Pedro Porro
Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Tottenham are optimistic that they will acquire Porro.
The transfer guru suggests Spurs will push to reach an agreement within the next 24 hours, but Sporting are only interested in a cash deal rather than outcasts within Conte's squad heading in the opposite direction.
Respected journalist Rudy Galetti recently told GiveMeSport that Porro has been identified as Tottenham's priority target ahead of the window slamming shut.
Spurs have been in contact with the right-back's intermediaries after it has become clear he is keen to complete the switch, but Sporting are holding out for the release clause written into his contract.
Tottenham have seen a £32.5million bid rejected and are eager to reach an agreement as fierce rivals Chelsea are also showing an interest in Porro and could look to hijack the move.
What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Porro?
Sheth understands Tottenham are continuing to hold discussions over Porro, whose release clause is £40million.
The Sky Sports reporter believes Sporting could soften their stance as Spurs look to get a deal over the line.
Sheth told GiveMeSport: "Talks are ongoing on that one and Sporting still want the release clause.
"But the fact that talks are ongoing may suggest they might just relax that release clause or, at the very least, Tottenham could get to that release clause either by virtue of adding a player or the conditions of a structure of a deal getting them to that €45million release clause."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Porro be a good signing for Tottenham?
Porro could make Tottenham more threatening from the right wing-back position as FBref statistics show he averages more goals and assists per 90 minutes than current Tottenham duo Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty this season.
The 23-year-old was particularly impressive during Sporting's recent victory over Vizela, with Sofascore handing him a 9.6 match rating after getting his name on the scoresheet, playing eight key passes and winning three ground duels.
Porro has now racked up 14 goal contributions in 25 appearances since the campaign got underway, highlighting that he would be an upgrade on Conte's current options.
Only one Sporting teammate has bettered the 7.19 average match rating handed to the Spaniard by WhoScored, further emphasising that he is a consistently high performer.
The Portuguese giants may be playing hardball over Porro, who is on a contract worth just over £10,000-per-week, but Tottenham should not give up in their attempts to reach an agreement.
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