Palhinha's Spurs Future in Doubt as Tonali and Fernandes Deals Gather Pace

Spurs are making serious moves in the summer market, and it's starting to look like Joao Palhinha's days at Tottenham could be numbered.

The club has already bolstered their backline with the arrivals of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Now attention has turned to midfield reinforcements, with Sandro Tonali from Newcastle and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes firmly in the crosshairs.

According to Tottenham insider John Wenham, landing both men would effectively end Palhinha's prospects of a permanent stay. Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham explained: "If we sign Tonali and Fernandes, Tottenham will not sign Joao Palhinha. It's a massive shame for Joao because he was instrumental in keeping us up and he should forever be warmly welcomed at Tottenham Hotspur. Even as a club legend, actually, because of the massive contribution that he made in keeping us in the division. But I think when they've invested those funds elsewhere, on Tonali, on Fernandes, they'll be our first choice in the centre of midfield."

It's a sobering assessment for a player who proved absolutely crucial to Spurs' survival battle last season. Palhinha netted twice in vital circumstances – a crucial 82nd-minute strike against Wolves and the decisive goal on the final day against Everton that secured Premier League status.

Tottenham declined to activate their £26million purchase option with Bayern Munich, though there had been speculation about fresh negotiations. If the Tonali and Fernandes signings proceed as expected, those talks appear unlikely to materialise.

Fernandes Still Up for Grabs

The picture remains murkier regarding Fernandes, despite reports suggesting a deal was done. Transfer analyst Ben Jacobs has poured cold water on such claims, revealing the situation remains genuinely competitive.

"Manchester United are still in talks with the player at the time of recording and West Ham United, and Tottenham are there as well," Jacobs said. "We've heard some suggestions in the last 24-48 hours that it's a done deal with Spurs. We're not there yet. Tottenham have been in advanced talks with the player; Manchester United's talks with the player pre-date Tottenham entering the race – and again, it could change very quickly. But at the time I'm recording this, Fernandes has not made a decision on which club he wants to join – and there could be others to enter the race as well."

The Tonali deal appears further along, with Tottenham reportedly confident of wrapping things up imminently.