Spurs could have a distinctly Samba feel next season…
Tottenham have entered talks with Corinthians over midfielder Paulinho after being priced out a move for Inter Milan’s Freddy Guarin, reports the Daily Mirror.
Brazil international Paulinho, 24, has a £17m release clause but Spurs are understood to be confident of landing the powerful enforcer for much less.
Boss Andre Villas-Boas has turned to the Selecao star after learning that Inter want £21m for Colombia international Guarin, who played for the Portuguese at Porto.
Paulinho, who was part of the Corinthians team that beat Chelsea in the final of the Club World Cup last December, is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup.
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk were also thought to be keen on Paulinho but have now turned their attentions to Gremio midfielder Fernando, after selling Fernandinho to Manchester City.
The arrival of Paulinho at White Hart Lane would likely spell the end of Scott Parker’s time at Spurs, with a number of clubs understood to be monitoring the 32-year-old England international.
Spurs have also been linked with moves for Paulinho’s international teammates Leandro Damiao and Bernard Duarte.
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