Andre Villas-Boas Hails Tottenham Hotspur's Transfer Mastermind

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has lavished praise on technical director Franco Baldini, the man credited with the club's success in the summer transfer window.

Spurs are reportedly on the brink of signing Brazilian winger Willian and Roma's Erik Lamela to replace Gareth Bale, who is expected to join Real Madrid for €109m.

Despite the uncertainty regarding Bale's future Tottenham have added four new signings to their ranks for the new season, with Roberto Soladado, Etienne Capoue, Paulino and Nacer Chadli all moving to White Hart Lane.

The club reverted to the much-famed technical director model this summer upon the request of Villas-Boas, when Baldini joined Tottenham from Roma in June.

Much of Tottenham's success in the window is owed to the Italian and the Portuguese boss has hailed his role this summer

"He has massive experience Real Madrid, Roma and the FA," Villas-Boas said. "He is one of the best technical directors there is."

"I believe we can be stronger than the season before. I believe what we are doing will show this.

"I don't agree we can be title contenders for the season coming. Everything is coming and everything is happening.

"We have to create a team. We haven't had time to work with them."

Lamela's agent has refuted suggestions that Tottenham are in talks to sign him while recent reports say a move for Madrid full-back Fabio Coentrao, as part of the Bale deal, has fallen through.

Willian meanwhile is understood to be having a medical at Tottenham but Villas-Boas is remaining typically coy over any move for the Anzhi Makhachkala man.

"I can't really confirm anything regarding Willian," he added. "There is interest in the player and there have been conversations.

"None of the names you have mentioned have signed for Spurs. I have answered about Willian in the past - not only time with Tottenham but also Chelsea.

"All the players are great, great players.

"On the players that are here, we are moving forward. We are not only trimming the squad but adding tremendous talent.

"I think we can become very, very strong regards to last season. It depends what deals we are able to conclude before the end of the market. We are looking to be stronger than before."