Spurs set to sign Brazil midfielder Paulinho after Corinthians agree to £17m deal

Tottenham have agreed a £17million deal to bring Brazilian midfielder Paulinho to White Hart Lane, his club Corinthians have confirmed.

The 24-year-old will be Andre Villas-Boas' first signing of the summer as he looks to mount a challenge on the top four of the Premier League once again.

Paulinho is ahead of £30m Manchester City signing Fernandinho, 28, in the pecking for the Brazilian national side and Spurs are confident that they have signed the better player.



Done deal: Spurs have agreed a £17m deal for the 24-year-old Brazilian

Spurs had been told earlier in the week they would have to up the ante on a bid for Paulinho, with the North London club originally hoping to pay in the region of £15m.

But with interest mounting in the player Spurs have decided to meet his release clause, which stands at £17m.

Paulinho, who scored Brazil’s equaliser against England in this month’s friendly, had said he will not make a decision until after the Confederations Cup.

Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Roma are also interested in the 15-cap international, but Spurs look to have beaten them to the signature.

World class: The midfielder has 15 caps for Brazil, scoring four goals