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Tottenham close in on Sandro

Sandro could be heading to White Hart Lane this summer © Getty Images

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Tottenham's deal for Brazilian youngster Sandro is imminent, according to Internacional president Vittorio Piffero.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has previously revealed his interest in the 21-year-old, with chairman Daniel Levy negotiating with Internacional since before the last transfer window.

''The negotiations with Tottenham have been going on since last summer, but now we are in the key moment,'' Piffero said. ''The deal is agreed and we will sign this week. I don't expect that to change because the agreement has been made between all parties.''

Sandro has one full Brazil cap when he came on as a substitute against Chile in a World Cup qualifier last year, but because of his relatively low experience at international level Tottenham will need special dispensation from the Premier League to apply for a work permit, though they are confident it can be secured.

Meanwhile, West Ham are targeting both Portsmouth strikers Frederic Piquionne and Aruna Dindane as potential summer transfers.

The Hammers brought in three strikers - Benni McCarthy, Mido and Ilan - in the January transfer window, but are interested in bringing in even more goalscoring potential once the window opens again.

Piquionne has made a big impact with Pompey despite their incredible off-pitch traumas and, with an exodus expected at Fratton Park, will almost certainly leave the club once his loan period from Lyon ends.

''I am still under contract at Lyon,'' he told L'Equipe. ''I was at the match against Real Madrid. But if they let me leave last summer that means they do not really rely on me.

''Other forwards have come in since then, and they cost a lot of money. I don't want to go back to Lyon and sit on the bench. My preference would be to stay in England. I hope to make the most of the final few months I have at Portsmouth and attract interest from some English clubs.''

Dindane is another loanee who won't be extending his deal from Lens, while Algerian defender Nadir Belhadj who cost £4.4 million when he signed from the French club last January will be one of Pompey's most saleable assets.

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