Paulinho eyes Spurs switch

Brazil midfielder Paulinho is keen to complete a move to Tottenham following the Confederations Cup.

Paulinho is currently playing a starring role for his country, heading in the winning goal against Uruguay to help Brazil reach the final of the World Cup warm-up event.

While he is focused on Sunday's clash with Spain at the Maracana, Paulinho is almost certain to leave Corinthians this summer and Spurs would be his preferred destination.

The 24-year-old said earlier in the week that the north London club had tabled a bid for him, and admitted White Hart Lane is a desired option as he would relish working with boss Andre Villas-Boas and the influential Gareth Bale.

"It is important for the team and for the Brazilian fans that at the moment all my focus is on winning the Confederations Cup," he said in the Daily Mirror. "But after the tournament is finished I hope it is a deal that can get finalised quickly.

"To play in England for a great team like Tottenham is a dream. What I respect about Tottenham is the ambition they have shown.

"This summer there has been interest in their coach and their best player - and they have been clear they are both not going anywhere."