Andre Villas-Boas
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is close to signing Alen Halilovic and Tin Jedvaj from Dinamo Zagreb, for a combined £17m Reuters

Tottenham are close to a deal for the highly rated Croatian pair of Alen Halilovic and Tin Jedvaj. The Sun believes the two 17-year-old Dinamo Zagreb youngsters will move to north London for a combined fee of £17m.

The club's president, Mirko Barisic, told Sportske Novosti a deal had been agreed but he refused to name the suitors. Barisic did say, however, that he expected one of the two to remain at Zagreb, on loan, for another year.

"We agreed with their future club, that one of them remains at least another year with us. For now we cannot confirm to which club they are going but it is true that they are both leaving. We will confirm that when everything will be sorted out. The transfer fee? €20m is - let us put it this way - the right number," he explained.

Halilovic has been a target for several top European clubs, with Manchester City and AC Milan earlier believed to be among the frontrunners. The Serie A side were linked by Tutto Mercato Web (TMW) with a loan bid (with the option to purchase) in June; the Rossoneri offered €5m as an initial payment and a further €10m to make the deal permanent.

The young attacking midfielder, who has been likened to former Zagreb and Spurs star Luka Modric, was also linked to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Modric's present club, Real Madrid, by TMW.

Meanwhile, Jedvaj, a defender, has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Serie A sides Milan and Roma, something his agent, Zoran Ban, has already confirmed. The Romans have already had a £5m bid rejected for the teen who has been likened to Italy and Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

Finally, White Hart Lane chiefs have yet to hear back from Brazilian midfielder Paulinho. The Independent reported on a £17m move agreed for the Corinthians' 24-year-old star and a decision on his future was to be made after Sunday's FIFA Confederations Cup final.

"I can't give you any details at this moment, it's impossible. I will still talk with Corinthians and with my agent before making a decision. When I decide, I'll tell everyone," the South American said, after a stunning 3-0 demolition of world champions Spain in the final on Sunday.

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