Paulinho: Brazil international midfielder set to join Tottenham

Brazil international Paulinho is expected to complete a £17million move in the coming days after confirming that north London was his next destination.

The 24-year-old, who helped the 2014 World Cup hosts secure Confederations Cup glory, is set to line up alongside Sandro in Andre Villas-Boas' midfield next season.

Having narrowly missed out on a top-four finish last season, Spurs will hope to challenge Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United once again.

Sandro told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here.

"This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions.

"Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger."

And the former Internacional man, who missed the second half of last term with a serious knee injury, has vowed to help his fellow countryman settle in England.

He added: "I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'.

"I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt.

"If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."