Tite says Paulinho has almost left twice before.
Corinthians boss Tite says he is still optimistic Paulinho will remain at the club despite reports the midfielder is set to join Tottenham.
Paulinho is widely expected to move to north London in a £17m deal after the Confederations Cup, with the 24-year-old admitting he is attracted by Spurs’ ‘ambition’.
But Tite remains hopeful that the Brazil international will have a change of heart and says Paulinho has come close to leaving the Copa Liberatadores champions before.
“While Paulinho doesn’t come and tell me that he is leaving, I am still hoping we can count on him,” Tite told Sky Sports.
“I called him to talk. I knew he had a lot of things on his mind, but I only told him this – follow your head and listen to your family. You’ll know what is best for you.”
He added: “Twice before, he almost left.
“Pending the final decision, I’ll wait. He’s under no pressure. If he comes back here and says he wants to play, he’ll probably play.”
On Thursday, Paulinho scored the winner in Brazil’s 2-1 Confederations Cup semi-final win over Uruguay and said after the match it would be a dream to move to White Hart Lane.
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