Real Madrid are set to watch Spanish international Pedro Porro play during the international break with a view to potentially bid for the Tottenham star.
The 25-year-old has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in their stuttering season, leading to a call-up for his country’s games with Denmark and Switzerland.
Last month, Porro publicly admitted to being excited by Real’s rumoured interest. “It fills you with excitement, doesn’t it?” he told Relevo. “You have to focus on your work, but the fact that Real Madrid is interested in you is because you are doing things well.”
The Spanish media outlet have now reported that the La Liga giants will be monitoring how Porro performs in the two Nations League mathes. Despite their 4-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti’s side saw their injury crisis deepen.
Centre-back Eder Militao was one of three players to leave the field, and is now set to be ruled out for nine months after being diagnosed with a torn ACL. Right-back Lucas Vazquez was also forced off, along with forward Rodrygo.
Another defender in David Alaba is already sidelined having also torn his ACL, and is now not expected back until 2025. Veteran Dani Carvajal is also a long way off a return after suffering a serious knee injury against Villarreal in October.
It leaves Ancelotti short of cover at the back, a situation the club are likely to address in January. And despite being linked to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, it’s Porro who now appears their primary target.
However, the Champions League holders are also said to be prepared for tough negotiations if they make a move. Porro is currently contracted at Tottenham until 2028, with Chairman Daniel Levy renowned for making transfers difficult for clubs.
It’s a trait the Bernabeu chiefs are all too aware of following their prolonged pursuit of Gareth Bale in September 2013. Levy eventually got his wish for a world record fee, with the Welshman moving for £85.3million.
Despite Tottenham’s back-to-back defeats, Pedro notched assists in the games against Galatasaray and Ipswich last week. He also has previous La Liga experience, playing for Girona for two years before moving to Manchester City in 2019.
After failing to play a top-flight game for City, he headed to Sporting CP before going to Spurs on loan in 2022. He signed on a permanent deal the following year, and has now racked up 65 appearances for the north London club.
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Tottenham told they made a mistake signing one particular player in the summer
Tottenham insider John Wenham has urged the club to not sign players who would be path blockers for the youngsters amid interest in Kevin Zenon.
The 23-year-old has attracted attention across the Premier League, with clubs like Spurs, Aston Villa, and Newcastle said to be keeping a watchful eye on his impressive performances in Argentina’s top league.
However, club insider John Wenham, who runs the well-regarded Spurs podcast, Lilywhite Rose, has expressed concerns that bringing in players like Zenón could hinder the development of the club’s emerging stars.
Wenham emphasised that while signings are necessary, they should be carefully selected to complement rather than overshadow Tottenham’s existing young players.
Wenham says signing Wilson Odobert was a mistake
He once again referenced 19-year-old French winger Wilson Odobert, as examples of recruits where Spurs’ developmental strategy could be questioned.
Odobert joined the Lilywhites from Burnley over the summer in a £25 million deal and initially displayed potential, notably in a 4-0 win over Everton. However, his progress has since been hampered by injuries, including a thigh problem that has seen him miss 12 games this season.
Wenham suggests balancing investment in new players with a focus on homegrown players, such as Spurs’ rising star Mikey Moore, should be a priority to ensure bright talents receive opportunities to thrive.
Speaking to Tottenham News, he said:
“With signings, I want the club to think about not signing players who are path blockers.
“For example, someone like Wilson Odobert, I’m not sure if he should’ve been signed because we already have Mikey Moore coming through.
“Therefore, I want the club to be careful that if they make a signing, it is someone who is going to come in and make a genuine difference. We shouldn’t be signing players who are going to be a path blocker for the exciting young talent coming through the club at the moment.”
Ange Postecoglou’s roster already features several wide players, including club captain Heung-min Son, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, and Odobert. Teenage sensation Mikey Moore has also impressed his way into the senior team and has become part of the squad this season.
Additionally, 18-year-old South Korean winger Yang Min-hyeok is set to join the squad in January, having signed in a pre-arranged summer deal.
Given this abundance of wing talent, it raises the question of how Zenón would fit into the squad without limiting chances for players within the club.
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