Paulinho: There is no way I could turn down Tottenham... and they said Bale is staying



Paulinho has revealed he is on the brink of joining Tottenham this summer after confessing it would be 'dream' to play for the north London club.

Spurs chiefs are confident they have sealed the Brazil midfielder's transfer from Corinthians ahead of next season.

The midfielder, 24, has been identified by manager Andre Villas-Boas as a primary transfer target and newly appointed technical director Franco Baldini has been working on securing the deal.

Wide open: Paulinho is on the verge of completing a move to Tottenham after the Confederations Cup

And Paulinho, who is currently playing in the Confederations Cup, has dropped a huge hint that he is off to White Hart Lane.

'It is important for the team and 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,' said Paulinho.



'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 (Bale) - and they have been clear they both are not going anywhere.



'When my agent made me aware that Tottenham were interested I knew it would not be a move that I could turn down.'

Head master: Paulinho (right) scores the winner against Uruguay to put Brazil into the Confederations Cup final

Vital: Paulinho scored the decisive goal as Brazil beat Uruguay 2-1 to reach the final of the tournament

On point: Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas wants Paulinho to improve his options in midfield

Staying put: Paulinho says he's been told Gareth Bale will remain at White Hart Lane



