Signing Leandro Damiao 'extremely difficult' says Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas
Spurs are in need of striking reinforcements
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andre Villas-Boas has played down suggestions Tottenham are due to sign striker Leandro Damiao.
Spurs have long held an interest in the Internacional player and reports have suggested that interest has intensified.
Emmanual Adebayor has departed for the African Nations Cup meaning Tottenham have just Jermain Defoe as a recognised striker, leading to suggestions Spurs will sign a new striker during the current transfer window.
Damiao said yesterday that there have not been any firm bids lodged for the him, but hinted his future could lie away from Internacional, saying he could only guarantee he would give his all for his current club.
"I guarantee that, for now," Damiao told Brazilian website Zero Hora. "There has been no proposal, no negotiations. I am only thinking about Internacional.
"The president is the one who decides."
Yet it would seem White Hart Lane is not a likely destination for the 23-year-old Brazil international according to AVB.
"Leandro is a player we've always appreciated, that this club appreciated before I arrived, but it's extremely difficult that he's going to join Tottenham," the Portuguese manager told a press conference this afternoon.
"He's a player that is highly rated in the market, and it's unlikely that he will play for Tottenham."
Damiao has been a leading star for Internacional since he signed for the club in 2009 and last summer he was top scorer for the Brazil side in the London Olympics.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments