Corinthians, Tottenham agree on Paulinho deal

Salvador (Brazil), June 22 (IANS)

Paulinho player of Corinthians celebrates a goal during the match between Corinthians and Santos as part of Paulista Championship at Pacaembu Stadium on May 12, 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Hélio Suenaga/LatinContent/Getty Images)

Corinthians confirmed they have agreed in principle to sell Brazil international midfielder Paulinho to Tottenham.

The Brazilian club accepted a 17 million pound offer for the highly rated 24-year-old, reports Xinhua.

“The situation is well underway. We have to agree on some details of the transfer so I can’t say he will leave yet but the negotiations are good,” Corinthians director of football and former Arsenal midfielder Edu said Friday.

Paulinho was a key member of the Corinthians side that won the Copa Libertadores-FIFA Club World Cup double last year. In the past six months, he has been a regular starter for Brazil under national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, playing as a defensive or attacking midfielder.

According to reports, he is also being pursued by Italian Serie A clubs Roma and Inter Milan.