The latest update on the future of Joao Palhinha will delight Tottenham fans, as the Lilywhites are locked in a battle to land the midfielder.Roberto De Zerbi has stated twice publicly that Palhinha is part of his plans at Tottenham, but Spurs are seemingly facing challenges in securing the player’s services.This is because Sporting Lisbon are attempting to re-sign Palhinha, and it has been suggested by some sources that the Portuguese club are confident of beating Tottenham to the midfielder.It was even claimed by A Bola a couple of days ago that Sporting are nearing an agreement with the Tottenham target, adding that the Lilywhites are powerless to stop the deal.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramJoao Palhinha is continuing to prioritise a move to TottenhamTEAMtalk have now confirmed that the 30-year-old does have multiple suitors this summer, revealing that Spurs have been joined in the race for the former Fulham man by both Sporting and Benfica.However, the website rubbishes the recent claims from Portugal suggesting that Palhinha is in favour of a return to his homeland.It is explained that there is belief at Spurs that the experienced midfielder would prefer to remain in North London.Tottenham see Palhinha as being crucial to De Zerbi’s plans for next season, and the Premier League side have received no information to suggest that the player wants to head back to Portugal.This backs up what Fabrizio Romano has just reported about Palhinha and Tottenham. The transfer expert says Palhinha will give priority to Spurs this summer, with Sporting waiting in the wings.Palhinha has sent mixed messages about his Spurs futureAfter the win over Everton, Palhinha confidently asserted that Spurs will be better next season, which some Tottenham fans may have seen as a sign that he expects to return to N17.However, the midfielder has also penned a touching goodbye message to Tottenham fans on social media, which is not a positive sign for the Lilywhites’ chances of winning the race for the player.The 30-year-old posted some extremely impressive numbers last season, and given the role he played in keeping the club in the Premier League, it would be a setback for De Zerbi’s project if the midfielder is not at the club next season.READ MORE: 12 Tottenham players who may have already played their final game for the clubThe post Joao Palhinha wants Tottenham stay as Sporting Lisbon transfer rumours are rubbished appeared first on Spurs Web.