Having lost out on Willian the Brazilian, Spurs are reported to be heading over to Italy where Lazio midfielder and fellow Brazilian international Hernanes is said to be catching their eye. The 28 year old has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane in the past – around the same time that Oscar headed to Stamford Bridge – but it’s claimed that Spurs’ interest has intensified as they look for a Willian alternative.

According to Talksport, the player’s delay in signing a new deal in Rome has alerted several clubs across Europe, with Tottenham on pole according to some reports.

Looking at the comparative records means that those who felt we dodged a bullet when missing out on Willian will feel vindicated when they consider Hernanes’ stats.

At 28, Hernanes is three years older than his compatriot but his goals to game ratio approaches one in three, as opposed to Willian’s one in seven. Our new target has also caught the eye of the national team on a more regular basis, having won 17 international caps to Willian’s two.

And he should come cheaper as well, but if Spurs do land Hernanes then Chelsea may just have done us a favour.