Tottenham target Corinthians’ Paulinho

Tottenham are seriously considering the possibility of signing Corinthians’ star Paulinho, though they are yet to make an official offer.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has been linked with a move to several top European clubs, including Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan, and now it looks like Tottenham are also set to join the queue. It is believed the Brazilian side is unlikely to settle for anything less than £17 million for Paulinho.

Corinthians director Duilio Monteiro Alves denied the rumours the player has already sign a pre-contract agreement with Inter Milan and insisted they are yet to offer an official offer for their starlet. Director has also admitted he expects the race for player’s signature to hot up the this week. He said: “In the last two years and the last four transfer windows there were offers, so imagine now?. It won’t be any different, especially considering his performances for Corinthians in the last year and now in the Confederations Cup.

“We know Tottenham have an interest, but nothing official yet. We are waiting for the next few days to talk about official and concrete facts. There were not offers, but we are waiting. Of course offers will come, especially as non-official offers have come from some clubs. We believe something will come within the next few days, but we will try to keep him,” he added.