Paul Robinson reveals what he has heard about Tottenham’s resolute plan amidst interest from a Premier League rival in one of their key players.
Tottenham star now a wanted man
Pedro Porro has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers of the Ange Postecoglou era and he has arguably been the best right-back on show in the Premier League so far this season.
The defender’s performances have reportedly caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
Over the last two weeks, both Real Madrid (The Athletic) and Manchester City (Football Insider) have been credited with an interest in the Spain international.
Tottenham fighting to keep Pedro Porro
However, it has been suggested by some sources that Spurs are desperate to keep the 25-year-old at the club and are even preparing to offer him a new contract in the hope of tying him down (TBR Football).
That is exactly what Robinson has heard, with the former Spurs number one claiming that the right-back is the sort of player the Lilywhites need to hold on to if they harbour hopes of challenging for the biggest trophies.
When asked about Man City’s rumoured interest in Porro, the pundit told Football Insider: “[I] Wouldn’t like to see it from a Tottenham point of view. He’s certainly one that is on the radar for Manchester City.
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“From Tottenham’s point of view, they are fighting tooth and nail to keep him. If they want to be competing in those Champions League places, you need players like that and you certainly don’t need to be selling, I’m going to say, to ‘rivals’.
“Now Tottenham aren’t really title contenders are they? So they’re not really a direct rival, but actually, a player like Poro would fit into that Manchester City team.”
“When he plays in that hybrid role, he’s a player who often finds himself isolated up the pitch, high up the pitch, but his quality lies in the final third with his delivery, with his visions, with his passes.
“And he’s got great delivery as well and he’s not afraid to shoot. He’s definitely a player that you could see working in that Pep Guardiola system, as much as that pains me to say it.”
Tottenham well protected
Porro is contracted to Spurs until the summer of 2028, which is why the North London club would not be losing sleep over the transfer interest.
There is no doubt that Daniel Levy would price Manchester City and Real Madrid out of a deal if they make a move in January or next summer.
Beyond that, the club’s chances of tying down the Spaniard for the long-term depend on whether there are genuine signs of progress.