Daniel Levy’s Tottenham replacement tipped to complete deal for ‘top’ midfielder

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Tottenham Hotspur’s new chairman has a big job on his hands and The Spurs News can exclusively reveal he has been tipped to tie Joao Palhinha down to a permanent contract.

Daniel Levy stepped down as Spurs chairman after nearly a quarter of a century in the role earlier this month, and Vinai Venkatesham has taken his place.

One item on his agenda this January transfer window will be looking at Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha, with Spurs fans already falling in love with him. No player has made more tackles in the Premier League than him with 19, and 13 of them have come in his last two games with six against West Ham and seven versus Brighton.

He is currently on loan until the end of the season, but that could change come January after his instant impact on Thomas Frank’s side.

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Vinai Venkatesham tasked with signing Joao Palhinha permanently

The Spurs News’ transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey said: “Spurs are trusting Vinai Venkatesham. Big few months coming ahead for him, but he’s coming in, he’s had a very good summer, he’s got Simons, Palhinha, Kolo Muani, Romero’s new contract, so VV’s in a very good place.

“He’s done really well.”

He continued: “Palhinha’s one to look for in January. I think they will look to do him quite early, get him tied down permanently.”

The Portuguese midfielder has already played in seven games for Spurs, scoring against Manchester City in August. There is an option to buy him for £26million included in his loan deal.

Thomas Frank’s early praise for Joao Palhinha at Tottenham

Speaking after beating Manchester City 2-0 last month, Frank hailed the 30-year-old for his performance.

He said: “What is 100 per cent sure is that we brought two top players into the club, [Mohammed] Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well, which I’m very pleased with.

“And Palhinha, wow. You know, sometimes players need confidence, and they need to be on top. I actually don’t think he’s fully fit yet where I want him to be, but very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.”

Tottenham will be hoping Palhinha can help them get back to winning ways against Wolverhampton Wanderers after their Carabao Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers.