The Italian is expected to make Paulinho his first transfer target at the Bernabeu.
Likely new Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to make Corinthians midfielder Paulinho his first signing at the Santiago Bernabeu, ruining Tottenham’s plans of signing the Brazilian, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
Ancelotti is expected to make the switch from French champions Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid in the near future and rates the 24-year-old as one of his top priorities to improve the La Liga runners-up.
Spurs have been watching the Brazil international for a while and it’s believed boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bring Paulinho to White Hart Lane – although also face competition from Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, with the Spanish giants entering the fray it is not only a more appealing prospect for the midfielder (unlike Inter and Spurs Madrid have secured Champions League football for next season), but Los Blancos can also offer more money to secure the signing.
This would be a blow to AVB and his north London outfit as a player of Paulinho’s calibre would really bolster the squad as they attempt to mount a challenge on the top four of the Premier League once again.
The midfielder will perhaps be best known to English fans for the impressive volley he scored against the national team during the 2-2 draw between Brazil and England on June 2.
According to football website transfermarkt.com Paulinho would set back any potential suitor around £10.5m, with the Brazilian having earned 14 caps for his country and scoring four goals.
Watch Paulinho’s superbly timed volley against England below:
