Real Madrid and Barcelona have both reportedly set their sights on Tottenham’s Spain international Pedro Porro, with the two La Liga giants keen to tempt him away from north London. Spurs are determined to hold on to him, though, having tied him to a new long-term contract in the summer. The club are said to be ready to demand a hefty fee to put suitors off.
Tottenham have no plans to let the 27-year-old right-back go midway through the campaign, especially as Roberto De Zerbi sees him as a key figure in his long-term project. Porro is currently out injured after being forced off early in the defeat to Aston Villa, which leaves Spurs without one of their most influential players at a crucial point in the season.
Even so, a future exit can’t be entirely ruled out after almost four years at the club. Football Insider reported on Tuesday that Porro would give serious thought to joining either Madrid or Barcelona if one of them made a formal move. The interest is believed to have flattered him, particularly after his impressive World Cup campaign over the summer.
The former Sporting CP man played 47 times for Tottenham in all competitions last season, cementing his place among the Premier League’s best right-backs. Spurs’ stance could get tougher if he decides he wants to go back to Spain, as a concrete approach from either Spanish club would test the club’s resolve. For now, they intend to keep him and would want a significant fee before even entertaining a sale.
Elsewhere, Tottenham are weighing up the future of highly rated 18-year-old attacking midfielder Luca Williams-Barnett ahead of the January window. Football Insider reported last week that the club could send him out on loan so he can get regular first-team football in the second half of the season.
Williams-Barnett featured prominently in De Zerbi’s plans during pre-season, raising hopes he might figure in the senior squad, but he is yet to make a competitive appearance this term. Several EFL clubs are reportedly watching the situation and would welcome him on a temporary deal when the window reopens.
Spurs rate him as one of their most promising youngsters in years, so his development is a priority. Rather than leave him on the sidelines, they may decide a loan is the best way to give him the senior minutes he needs, while keeping an eye on his progress before deciding his longer-term role under De Zerbi.
