Tottenham Only Contenders to Sign Brazilian Midfielder, Confirms Agent

Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position to sign Atlético Mineiro's exciting young attacking midfielder Bernard after his agent confirmed that the north London club are now the "only contenders".

Bernard has long been linked with a move away from Brazil and it was just over six months ago that Spartak Moscow were unsuccessful in a £9.8m bid for the youngster.

Tottenham have emerged as one of the leading contenders to sign the 20 year old but there was expected to be plenty of competition from clubs around Europe, including Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund and Portuguese giants Porto.

However, the players agent Hissa Moyses has confirmed that there is yet to be any offer from the German side and that Spurs are now perfectly placed to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

"Dortmund have not submitted a proposal and Tottenham are the only contenders," Moyses told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

Bernard's impressive performances for Mineiro led to him gaining his first international cap last year and he has gone on to become a regular in the Brazil squad under Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The attacking midfielder has scored 17 goals in 84 league appearances for the Brazilian outfit and is a member of the national side currently competing in the Confederations Cup on home soil.

Tottenham are believed to be interested in a number of the current Brazil team as they have also been linked with striker Leandro Damiao, midfielder Paulinho and defender Doria.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is determined to strengthen his squad over the summer and is said to be working closely with new director of football Franco Baldini to identify targets.

The duo will be hoping that they can convince Bernard to make the move to White Hart Lane and that he has not been influenced by the comments of international teammate Dante who advised him to move to Dortmund.

"I talked a bit with Bernard and I explained the philosophy of this country. He is a talented boy who will adapt to Germany," Dante told Terra."If that is his desire then I hope he will do it. I gave him some tips.

"He may not have a physique like many other players but he is a player who would suit Borussia Dortmund's style of play."