Spurs Face Competition From Real Madrid for Brazilian Midfielder – Report

Tottenham Hotspur will once again hope to disappoint Real Madrid as they look to convince Brazilian midfielder Paulinho to choose a move to White Hart Lane rather than the Bernebeu.

The north London club were linked with a £15m move for the Corinthians star as manager Andre Villas-Boas looks to bolster his options after an impressive debut campaign at the club that ultimately ended in disappointment.

Spurs compiled their highest ever Premier League points tally but it was not enough to secure Champions League football and Villas-Boas is determined to build a squad capable of gaining an elusive top four finish.

Deputy director at Corinthians Duilio Monteiro Alves recently confirmed that there was interest from Spurs but revealed that there was yet to be a concrete offer.

"[Tottenham] is a club that we know who has an interest, but nothing official yet. Of course it will come. We expect it in the coming days," he's quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.

"Our intention is to keep him but let's wait and see; if it's good for him, good for the Corinthians, we will make a decision."

Tottenham have a long running history with Real Madrid, having lost Luka Modric to the Spanish giants they are now attempting to persuade Gareth Bale to remain at the club despite the very clear attention from Los Blancos.

Now it seems they will also be competing with the club for the signature of Paulinho after it was revealed that incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti is a huge admirer of the central midfielder.

Marca reports that Ancelotti has placed Paulinho on his wanted list as he gives Florentino Perez a list of players that he would like to see arrive over the summer months.

The Spanish publication reports that Madrid may even be prepared to offer Corinthians the services of Kaka in order to try and sweeten the deal. The veteran midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular place in recent seasons and it seems they are prepared to sacrifice the former AC Milan star.

Paulinho is currently representing Brazil in the Confederations Cup where he showed a glimpse of his potential with a well taken goal in the 3-0 win over Japan.