Joao Palhinha’s future remains unresolved as Tottenham weigh up their next move, with fresh comments from Fabrizio Romano shedding more light on the midfielder’s stance ahead of a crucial deadline.The race for Joao Palhinha is certainly heating up ahead of the summer transfer window. Spurs are in the driving seat as they hold a £26 million option-to-buy clause inserted into his loan move last year.However, with no agreement yet reached, Sporting CP have come sniffing around as they look to snatch the Portuguese midfielder from under Spurs’ noses. Palhinha, whom Roberto De Zerbi has openly stated he wants to keep at Tottenham next season, now has to decide on his future.With the deadline for Tottenham to activate their option to buy clause approaching, uncertainty continues to surround the 30-year-old as interest in his signature grows.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramTottenham handed Joao Palhinha transfer update by Fabrizio RomanoSpurs Web has relayed where things stand with the on-loan Bayern man over the last week. It was revealed yesterday that Tottenham have opted against activating Palhinha’s £26 million clause.It was also claimed that Sporting have moved into the driving seat to sign Palhinha, with negotiations with Bayern Munich the final steps before a move can be completed. Respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now shared what he knows about the situation.Taking to X, the journalist explained that Joao Palhinha has given priority to a Tottenham move, as the feeling with Roberto De Zerbi is very good. However, should Spurs not push to sign him, Sporting are keen and ready to act. As it stands, Tottenham remain the player’s priority.Romano wrote: “João Palhinha gives priority to Tottenham as the feeling with Roberto De Zerbi is very good. If deal can’t be agreed with Spurs, Sporting are keen and ready to act but #THFC are the priority for João.”🚨 João Palhinha gives priority to Tottenham as the feeling with Roberto De Zerbi is very good.If deal can’t be agreed with Spurs, Sporting are keen and ready to act but #THFC are the priority for João. pic.twitter.com/tbsXGxcM93— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2026Spurs fans still want Joao Palhinha to staySpurs fans surely want to see Palhinha remain in north London, with many left frustrated when reports emerged that Tottenham were not looking to activate the option-to-buy clause.The Portuguese international was key to Spurs’ Premier League survival, delivering some big performances that included goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton during Tottenham’s run-in.He is now somewhat of a cult hero around N17, and many fans still believe he has plenty to offer Spurs next season. In the last few hours, Hayden Hackney has been linked with Tottenham, and the Middlesbrough midfielder, who is seven years younger than Palhinha, could be an alternative should Spurs opt against taking up their £26 million option. Hackney is reportedly available for around £25 million.The post Fabrizio Romano reveals Joao Palhinha plot twist as Tottenham are given the upper hand appeared first on Spurs Web.