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Paulinho last night kept Spurs sweating amid talk that Chelsea could hijack the north Londoners’ move for him.

Spurs are understood to have agreed £15million fee for the 24-year-old Corinthians star.

But Chelsea, who pinched Oscar from under the noses of Spurs last summer, have been linked with a similar swoop for Paulinho.

Speaking after Brazil’s 4-2 Confederations Cup win over Italy on Saturday, Paulinho said: “There is an official offer from Tottenham to Corinthians.

“But, as I did when there was an Inter Milan offer, I’ll sit and decide with my family before I make any decision.”

“I will only do it after the Confederations Cup because it’s hard to deal with all these things.”

Corinthians director of football Edu has confirmed negotiations with Spurs are at an advanced stage. He said: “The situation is well underway.

“We have to agree on some details of the negotiation, so I can’t say he will leave yet, but the negotiations are good.”

Paulinho, who has been at Corinthians for three years, has 15 Brazil caps so a work permit should be a formality.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has also confirmed his interest in Bernard, the Atlético Mineiro midfielder, and Tottenham are also considering a move for Caen striker Lenny Nangis.