OPINION
Tottenham could finally replace the sale of Kyle Walker by luring Porto right-back Ricardo Pereira to north London after scouting the defender on the weekend.
The Daily Mail claimed in their transfer news column that Spurs’ talent spotters watched the 23-year-old shine on the right side of defence for Porto on Sunday, as the Portuguese giants beat Tondela 1-0.
It is said that Spurs’ Premier League title rivals Manchester United were also in attendance at the Estádio do Dragão this weekend, as Pereira’s reputation continues to grow in European football.
Spurs were forced to hand a debut to academy product Kyle Walker-Peters on Sunday afternoon during their 2-0 win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park, with Kieran Trippier currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
Here, This Is Futbol considers whether signing two-time Portugal international Pereira would be a good signing at the Wembley Stadium this summer, and if the two Champions League sides can strike a deal.
Good move for Tottenham?
Spurs desperately need another right-back that has proven Champions League quality, with Trippier not yet tried regularly at such a high level.
Making his England debut last season and impressing when called upon, Trippier showed enough quality to become Spurs’ first-choice right-back in the absence of Walker, but top-class cover is needed.
With Walker-Peters, Spurs have a player that in a few seasons could become an England regular, but Pereira should be brought to north London now to give Trippier immediate competition rather than allowing him to have an easy run.
Pereira has already made 11 career appearances in the Europa League and Champions League, and he can play at right-back or as a wing-back, perfect for Spurs’ 3-4-2-1 system.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Porto have the ball in their court over a possible transfer, with two years remaining on Pereira’s current deal with the Portuguese giants.
Manager Sérgio Conceição would want to bring in a replacement before selling Porto’s number 21, which could put a spanner in the works if Spurs look to secure a deal.
However, Pereira is likely to favour a move to the Premier League and with the chance to become the north London giants’ first-choice right-sided defender, his head could turn and eventually force Porto to sell.
If Spurs can secure a deal to sign the defender for less than £25million this summer, then they would be saving more than half they received for selling Walker to City for £54million, but it is unclear how likely a deal will be.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.