Alexandre Pato: Brazil international claimed he turned down a move to Spurs in the summer

The Corinthians forward joined the Sao Paolo-based club in January from AC Milan after a difficult end to his spell in Italy.

His time in Milan was compounded by a series of injuries and he failed to live up to his potential which led to a £12.2million move back to his homeland.

And he has revealed that he is keen to continue his development in Brazil despite interest from the Premier League in the summer.

"Tottenham had called Corinthians to ask for my transfer," he is quoted as telling Brazilian TV station SporTV.

"I sat at the table with the club and my agent and I decided I wanted to stay."

Pato's performances for Corinthians resulted in a recall to Luiz Felipe Scolari's national side for the recent friendlies against Portugal and Australia.