Tottenham are interested in Paulinho, claims Corinthians director

Corinthians director Duilio Monteiro Alves has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Paulinho. However, he insisted that an offer hasn’t been made yet.

The 24-year-old Brazilian, who has been a long-standing target of Inter Milan, has been linked  with a move to the White Hart Lane in recent weeks.

The Corinthians director has said that no bids have been made yet, but he believes that many clubs will join the race to sign the midfielder.

Monteiro Alves told UOL: “In the last two years and the last four transfer windows there were offers, so imagine now? It won’t be any different, especially considering his performances for Corinthians in the last year and now in the Confederations Cup.

“We know Tottenham have an interest, but nothing official yet. We are waiting for the next few days to talk about official and concrete facts.

“There were not offers, but we are waiting. Of course offers will come, especially as non-official offers have come from some clubs.

“We believe something will come within the next few days, but we will try to keep him.”

Paulinho, who is said to be valued at £17m, has said that he is not thinking about his future until the Confederations Cup. The Brazilian is also said to be a target of AS Roma.

Paulinho told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Unfortunately, at this moment in time, nobody has offered Corinthians the fee set in my contract for my sale, Nobody. Roma are a prestigious club. A champion such as Paulo Roberto Falcao wore their shirt, a player I have always admired. Roma and Inter are clubs where any player would want to be a protagonist, but you’ll see that nothing will happen until after the Confederations Cup.”