Sky Sports: Tottenham eye £42m star alongside Robertson and Senesi in major summer plan
Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their summer recruitment plans, with a third high-profile target now on their radar alongside Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Despite ongoing uncertainty over their Premier League status, Spurs are already making moves behind the scenes as they prepare for a crucial transfer window.
On the pitch, attention turns to a massive clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux this Saturday — a fixture that could define their season. It’s a dramatic fall considering Tottenham lifted the UEFA Europa League title less than a year ago. Now, they find themselves in the relegation zone, just two points from safety with five games remaining.
With the bottom side already relegated to the EFL Championship, Spurs are locked in a tense survival battle with West Ham United and Nottingham Forest to avoid the final drop spot.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi knows the importance of Saturday’s encounter against Rob Edwards’ side, with Tottenham desperately needing their first league win since December to keep survival hopes alive.
Tottenham hit obstacle in João Palhinha pursuit
Away from the pitch, Spurs’ recruitment team are actively working on potential deals — even without clarity on which division they’ll compete in next season.
The club already has agreements in principle to sign Andy Robertson on a free transfer following the end of his Liverpool contract, and Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth. However, both moves are dependent on Tottenham avoiding relegation.
Plettenberg reports that Spurs are also keen to make João Palhinha a permanent signing after his loan spell. The midfielder, who joined Bayern Munich from Fulham for an initial £42m, remains a player of interest.
However, negotiations have hit a stumbling block. Tottenham are looking to renegotiate the previously agreed option-to-buy clause — originally set at around £26m with add-ons — in a bid to lower the overall cost. Should Bayern refuse to adjust their terms, a permanent deal is unlikely.
Mixed season for Palhinha at Spurs
Palhinha’s campaign has mirrored Tottenham’s turbulent season. The 30-year-old started strongly in midfield but has seen his influence decline in recent months, with his place in the starting XI becoming less secure.
Even so, his Premier League experience remains valuable, and Spurs are open to keeping him — particularly if he can benefit from a full pre-season under De Zerbi.
That said, the club are cautious about committing to a high fee given his dip in form, as they aim to make smarter, more calculated additions ahead of next season.
As with the potential arrivals of Robertson and Senesi, any serious move for Palhinha will likely hinge on Tottenham securing their Premier League status.
The coming weeks could prove decisive — both for survival on the pitch and the direction of the club’s summer rebuild.
