Spurs close on Brazilian

Thursday, 16/06/2011

by James Willis, Shoot's Tottenham blogger

Tottenham are thought to be close to a £12m deal with Internacional over the signing of Brazil striker Leandro Damiao. After being highly recommended to club chiefs by former team-mate Sandro, the move for Damiao has seemingly been brewing for some time.

Finally though, after apparently having their first bid rejected, Spurs have agreed a fee for the player and all that's left to work out are the player's wages and the date of the signing.

Last season, Sandro joined after the final of the Copa Libertadores on August 18, but this year Internacional have been knocked out already leaving the transfer of Damiao a lot simpler.

Damiao has been a very important player for Internacional recently, scoring 22 goals in 24 appearances last season and being rewarded with his first international cap, against Scotland.

However, after a season of all of his strikers misfiring, it is thought that Harry Redknapp might be looking to get another striker as well as Damiao. There are possible moves for Gonzalo Higuain or Didier Drogba, which would no doubt very much excite Tottenham fans, although wages could prove a stumbling block in any deal there.

With over two months left of the transfer window, there should be no worries from Spurs fans quite yet. With the signing of Brad Fridel wrapped up, Tottenham can now focus on other areas.

The club do need to offload some of the 'fringe' players to lower the wage bill and thin the squad out. David Bentley and Robbie Keane may both leave after enduring tough times at White Hart Lane, whilst Giovani Dos Santos is expected to secure a permanent move to Spain with both Sevilla and Racing Santander interested.

Younes Kaboul has made noise about leaving the club after claiming that he did not recieve enough first-team football last season and it may impact his chances of getting into the France squad.

Young defender Steven Caulker has reportedly attracted the attention of both Norwich and Swansea after some very good performances for Bristol last season. Any move would be made as a season-long loan deal as opposed to a permanent transfer.

If Jonathan Woodgate leaves, along with Sebastien Bassong, who has shown some displeasure at his lack of first-team action, Tottenham may also need a new centre back. There have been some unfounded rumours that they're ready to hijack Arsenal's bid for Chris Samba or perhaps turn their attentions to Gary Cahill.

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