Transfer Centre

Paulinho: 'I cannot turn down dream move to Tottenham Hotspur'

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 28 June 2013

Paulinho: 'I cannot turn down dream Spurs move'

Paulinho confirms that he is on the brink of joining Tottenham Hotspur, who are expected to complete a £17m deal for the Brazil midfielder after the Confederations Cup.

Corinthians midfielder Paulinho has confirmed that he is on the brink of joining Tottenham Hotspur.

The Brazil international, who scored the winning goal in Wednesday's Confederations Cup semi-final win over Uruguay, described his potential move to White Hart Lane as a "dream".

He also claimed that he has been impressed by the commitment that Spurs have shown to keeping hold of Gareth Bale and Andre Villas-Boas this summer.

"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," Paulinho told reporters.

"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 - 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."

Corinthians president Mario Gobbi Filho admitted on Wednesday that Paulinho's departure was imminent.

It is understood that Spurs will pay a £17m transfer fee for the 24-year-old.