Cruzeiro interested in acquiring Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian midfielder Paulinho on loan

File photo of Paulinho in action for Tottenham. He could be on his way back to Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 25 (IANS) Brazilian champions Cruzeiro have revealed they could make a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho in the January transfer window.

Paulinho has made just 13 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham this term, reports Xinhua. He has also lost his place in Brazil's national team, having failed to make Dunga's squad for the Selecao's six friendly matches since this year's World Cup.

Cruzeiro's football director Alexandre Mattos said Tottenham had indicated the 26-year-old could be released on loan.

"We don't know if they will loan him to a Brazilian or European club, but we think top players would be interested in coming to Cruzeiro," Mattos said earlier on Wednesday. Cruzeiro could face competition from Paulinho's former club Corinthians.