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Roberto de Zerbi is already making summer transfer plans for Tottenham Hotspur - operating on the assumption they will still be in the Premier League, of course.
Spurs moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, but remain just one point ahead of West Ham United with three games left to play.
Roberto de Zerbi wants Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal at Tottenham Hotspur
Joao Palhinha's recent performances in the Tottenham midfield have stood out after a series of disjointed and incoherent performances from the team side over the course of the campaign.
The Portuguese international joined on loan from Bayern Munich last summer having struggled to make an impact at the club following his move from Fulham.
Tottenham are reported to have an option to make Palhinha's move permanent this season for a £27m fee.
De Zerbi was unequivocal when asked if he wants to club to trigger that clause, saying: "One hundred per cent. We have to start from this type of people.
"More than players, we need reliable people, reliable players
"Palhinha is one of the best, as a player for sure, but as a guy. I want to see players with the same passion, the same attitude, the same spirit and the same personality. We are lucky to have him with us."
Palhinha had found himself out of favour for a spell under Thomas Frank, and appeared from the bench in De Zerbi's first three games in charge.
However, his late winning goal after coming on away to Wolves on April 28 earned Spurs their first Premier League win in exactly four months, and he went on to play the full 90 minutes of their win at Villa Park.
Realistically, Tottenham now just need to match or better West Ham's results for the rest of the campaign to stay up after a serious relegation scare.
The Hammers round off the season by hosting Arsenal, visiting Newcastle, and finally welcoming Leeds to London Stadium.
