Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Confederations Cup hero Paulinho can’t wait to sign for Tottenham - because he has been told Gareth Bale is staying at the London club.

The £17million-rated Corinthians midfielder - who headed the winning goal in Brazil’s midweek semi-final against Uruguay - is set to play against Spain in Sunday night's final.

He is then poised to confirm a summer switch to White Hart Lane and is excited at the prospect of playing for manager Andre Villas-Boas - and alongside Real Madrid target Bale.

Paulinho, 24, said: “It is important for the team and for the Brazilian fans that at the moment all my focus is on winning the Confederations Cup.

“But after the tournament is finished I hope it is a deal that can get finalised quickly.

(Image: Richard Heathcote - The FA)

“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.”

Paulinho, whose arrival at the north Londoners is expected to lead to exits for Scott Parker and Sunderland target Tom Huddlestone, has also been linked with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk.