Rumour: Real Madrid join Chelsea in hunt for Tottenham’s Paulinho

Tottenham Hotspur’s Brazilian midfielder Paulinho shoots the ball during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane

According to reports, Real Madrid have joined Paulinho’s growing list of suitors, following reports that Chelsea are also interested in Paulinho.

Paulinho earned a host of admirers for his impressive performances in the Confederations Cup last summer. Chief among them was Andre Villas-Boas, who moved to bring the 25-year-old to North London for a reported £17 million.

Since arriving at White Hart Lane, Paulinho has failed to replicate the form he exhibited at former club Corinthians. Notwithstanding a respectable return of six goals and two assists in 30 appearances for Spurs, he’s often drifted out of games, shirking the opportunity to dictate proceedings in central midfield.

Regardless, Chelsea are looking to add to their three-strong Brazilian contingent at Stamford Bridge if Tottenham elect to cut their losses and sanction a deal for Paulinho.

In that eventuality, Chelsea would face competition for his signature from continental Europe, with Real Madrid rumoured to be seeking a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso.

Paulinho travels to the World Cup with Brazil next month, so any potential negotiations will have to wait until the competition’s denouement.