An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and their interest in signing Pedro Porro in the January transfer window...

What's the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Spanish defender is the number one target for Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte in the wing-back position this month.

The reporter has claimed that the club will make a move for the gem before the window slams shut but they will need to pay his £40m release clause in order to secure a deal.

Romano Tweeted: "Understand Pedro Porro is top of the list for Tottenham as new right back. Spurs will try to sign Porro as player would be keen on the move. #THFC It’s difficult deal in January as Sporting have been very clear: €45m release clause or no way. Stance could change in June."

Matt Doherty upgrade

Conte could land a big upgrade on current right wing-back Matt Doherty by bringing Porro to the club from Sporting before the end of the month.

The Irish international has played 11 times in the Premier League for Spurs this season, starting six matches, and has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.91.

This comes after he averaged a score of 7.06 across 15 appearances throughout the 2021/22 campaign, as he contributed with two goals and four assists.

He ranks in the 73rd and 70th percentiles respectively for Expected Assists and shot-creating actions per 90 amongst his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days.

Porro, who was once dubbed "impressive" by journalist Josh Bunting, ranks in the 99th percentiles in both statistics in Europe's top eight leagues over the last 365 days, which shows that he is one of the most creative players in his position on the continent.

The Sporting man also ranks higher than Doherty in progressive passes, completed dribbles, assists, and touches in the opposition's box per 90.

These statistics, along with Porro's 7.21 Sofascore rating in Liga Portugal this season, indicate that the Spaniard would be a big upgrade on Tottenham's Irishman.

The former Manchester City man would offer far more at the top end of the pitch and help to create more chances for the likes of Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane in the Premier League, whilst also chipping in with goals of his own.

He has produced 11 goals and 19 assists in 93 matches for Sporting and has proven that he has the quality to make a big impact in the final third, whilst Doherty has scored three times and assisted nine in 69 outings for Spurs.

Paratici and Conte must now sanction a £40m swoop for the defender in the coming weeks to improve Tottenham's team heading into the second half of the campaign.