news-engine

Tottenham youngster has been heavily linked with a move to FC Porto. Tottenham Hotspur are busy preparing for the upcoming campaign, having played three friendlies thus far. The incomings have slowed down, but it is understood Roberto De Zerbi remains keen on adding to his forward line before the September 1 transfer deadline. Spurs are looking to move on the players that are currently not in the gaffer’s plans. Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold had claimed at the start of July that the club will loan out Souza. The youngster has not played in any of the three pre-season friendlies amid interest from Portuguese clubs. SL Benfica were understood to have submitted a €20m bid, but it was not true. FC Porto have been showing interest in Souza lately. Recent reports suggested that the player’s representatives travelled to Portugal to hold talks with FC Porto over a move. And now there has been a new update on Souza’s links to FC Porto. Portuguese journalist reveals FC Porto are in negotiations with Tottenham for Souza According to Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto, Porto’s interest in the player has progressed beyond initial enquiries, with negotiations now underway between the two clubs. He has pointed out that Souza is highly regarded by Porto’s hierarchy as well as head coach Francisco Farioli. At the same time, the journalist has also dismissed claims of Benfica’s interest in the youngster. “Porto are in the market looking for another option on the left side of the defence and are in negotiations – these are no longer just enquiries – with Tottenham for Brazilian left-back Souza, who has been a long-term target of Porto’s scouting department,” Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto said on his YouTube channel. “The parties are in negotiations, and we will follow this situation, but Porto are active in the transfer market, and Souza is of great interest to the team, obviously to the management, and also to the coach, Francisco Farioli. “And it is not true that Benfica are interested in the Brazilian full-back.” Souza could be on the move just six months after arriving at Tottenham in an €15m deal from Santos, with Porto stepping up their pursuit. The Brazilian still has five years remaining on his contract, so Tottenham are in a strong position to demand a decent fee from the Portuguese champions. The 20-year-old played only four times for the Lilywhites during the second half of the season. None of those came under De Zerbi, who relied more on experience than youth to save the club from utter embarrassment of relegation. It’d be a massive surprise if the Spurs chiefs agree to sell Souza to Porto, given how highly-regarded he is in the South American circuit.