Tottenham Enforcer Insists £17m Brazilian Will Strengthen Squad

Sandro insisted that his Brazilian teammate Paulinho would strengthen the Tottenham Hotspur side as the midfielder edges closer to joining the north London club.

Paulinho confirmed yesterday that he is set to move to Spurs in coming days, insisting he is ready to step up and play for a top club after spending the last three years with Corinthians.

And with Sandro having played alongside the 24 year old for the national team on a number of occasions, he insists that Paulinho has what it takes to star for Tottenham next season.

He told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here.

"This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions.

"Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger."

Paulinho is believed to have agreed a £17m deal to join Tottenham, a transfer fee that sees him become the club'smost expensive player in their history, overtaking the previous fee of £16.5 which was paid for Luka Modric.

Inter Milan were also interested in the midfielder but Daniel Levy moved quickly to secure the midfielder as Scott Parker looks to be on his way out of the club.

Sandro believes that as Paulinho prepares to pull on a Tottenham shirt for the first time, he can help his national teammate get settled into a new country and culture.

"I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'", he added. "I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt.

"If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."

Paulinho will be Tottenham's first official signing of the season when the deal is confirmed by the club, and with all of the uncertainty surrounding Gareth Bale's future, the news will serve as a boost to Spurs fans who are hoping Andre Villas-Boas has more depth at his disposal next season.