Tottenham have been given a boost by the likely availability of Porto right-back Ricardo Pereira this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claim on their website that the Portugese outfit are “prepared to cash in” on the 23-year-old, who has returned to his parent club after an impressive two-year loan at Nice.
Sky claim that Spurs are in the market for a new right-back as they look to secure a replacement for Manchester City-bound Kyle Walker despite the emergence of Kieran Trippier.
It is said that Pereira would make an “astute” replacement for Walker as he is comfortable in an advanced wing-back role in the three-man defence system used by Mauricio Pochettino as well as in a more traditional right-back position.
This will provide Tottenham with encouragement as they prepare for City to make a formal approach for Walker, 27, who is valued at around £40million.
Portugese publication Sabado claim that Pereira has a £22million release clause although it is likely that the Premier League club would want to negotiate a lower transfer fee.
Sky name Pereira as one of Europe’s 10 most in-demand defenders along with the likes of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, as well as Walker.
Pereira joined Porto in 2013 but has played only 34 games for the club and has spent the past two seasons in the south of France, where he has developed at Nice into one of the outstanding players in his position in Ligue 1.
The two-times Portugal international is now back at his parent club but the possibility is that his return could be a short one.
Like Walker, Pereira is renowned for his great athleticism and speed, which make him a major attacking threat on the right flank from his defensive position.