AVB Promises More Signings and Confirms Tottenham Stay for Bale

Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur expect to sign more players before the start of the new season. Spurs have announced only one signing so far - Brazilian midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for roughly £17m.

"To be fair the English clubs, compared to the European clubs, are probably the ones who haven't moved as much as they wanted or should, so at the moment we have the signing of one great international player, which everybody saw in the Confederations Cup so we are happy but our market hasn't stopped and we will continue to further strengthen the squad," AVB explained.

The north London side were believed to be interested in Spain striker David Villa and Brazilian international Leandro Damiao.

However, the 31-year-old World Cup winner snubbed interest from White Hart Lane to swap Barcelona for Atlético Madrid in a €5m deal, according to Marca. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Damiao, a long-time target, is unlikely to be allowed to move before the 2014 FIFA World Cup, according to comments by the Internacional president.

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is also a lost cause, after the Belgian signed a new contract with the Villa Park club, confirming his stay with Paul Lambert's men until 2017.

AVB's other targets are believed to include Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio, according to Portuguese publication A Bola, but he faces competition from Manchester City for the Argentine. There have also been reports linking Spurs with another young Brazilian midfielder - Atlético Mineiro's Bernard. The 20-year-old is also being tracked by Liverpool, according to the Mail Online.

FC Porto forward Jackson Martinez is another possibility, particularly after news the Colombian turned down a move to Napoli. Spain international Roberto Soldado is £25m option for AVB and one that could be a shrewd move.

Meanwhile, the good news from White Hart Lane is that Welsh international Gareth Bale will not leave this summer. The 23-year-old enjoyed a superb season last time around and his goals earned him attention from Real Madrid and Manchester United, with world records bids touted.

AVB has admitted that while the reports linking his star player away are a distraction, he is not bothered by them.

"He's not for sale at any price. No we haven't had any conversations. It's not irritating, I think it is part of when the market opens. It's normal that there is speculation everywhere," the former Chelsea manager concluded.