Tottenham have finally brokered a late deal with Sporting Lisbon for a transfer deadline day move for Pedro Porro.
The Premier League side thought they had reached an agreement early on Monday, but Portuguese giants Sporting sensationally pulled out at the last minute. Porro is a top target for boss Antonio Conte as he looks to upgrade his options at right wing-back.
The 23-year-old's impressive performances for Sporting this season saw him rise to the top of Tottenham 's shopping list. Conte is desperate to kickstart his side's season after a difficult recent spell of results that has left the club fifth in the table.
But, according to The Sun, he almost saw the move for Porro stall after Sporting decided they deserved more from the deal. Spurs had already agreed a £45million package but were forced to give up their rights to a percentage of any future move involving Marcus Edwards.
Edwards came through Tottenham's academy before joining Sporting in last year's January transfer window. As part of that deal, Spurs were due 50 per cent of a future sale, but have now climbed down to 35 per cent to get the move for Porro over the line.
After that new agreement was reached, Porro flew out from Portugal to the UK, staying at Tottenham's training ground overnight. The right-back will have a medical on Tuesday, with no more obstacles expected to arise.
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Porro was absent from Sporting's training session on Monday as his move collapsed. But as he flew out from Portugal, the 23-year-old admitted his delight at seeing the deal revived.
"I’m grateful to Sporting, I love the club. I didn’t train as I was only focused on the transfer to Spurs but I will always be thankful to the club," he told CMTV.
Tottenham are set to announce him as their latest signing on Tuesday after the successful completion of his medical. Premier League rivals Manchester City will receive around £9m of the fee, having installed a sell-on clause when they sold Porro to Sporting last summer.
Sporting have allowed Porro to leave the Estádio José Alvalade as they close in on a permanent deal for Hector Bellerin. Bellerin is currently at Barcelona, but has only made seven appearances this season.
The Spaniard will now join Sporting as the replacement for Porro, paving the way for his countryman to join Spurs. With Porro arriving, Spurs are likely to send Djed Spence out on loan.
Ligue 1 side Rennes is his most likely destination, with the two parties thought to be locked in talks. Spence has played just five minutes of Premier League football this term, with his opportunities set to be even more limited by Porro's arrival.
Porro's deadline day move means he is in line to feature for Conte's side when they host Manchester City on Sunday. Spurs lost 4-2 to the same team a fortnight ago and Conte will hope the signing of Porro can inspire them to a better result.
