• Premier League

Villas-Boas plays down M'Vila and Moutinho talk

ESPN staff
August 17, 2012
Yann M'Vila is unlikely to move to White Hart Lane © Getty Images
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Andre Villas-Boas has effectively ruled out Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila joining Tottenham this summer, and says signing Joao Moutinho from Porto will be "very difficult".

M'Vila has been also been linked with Arsenal in recent months, but reports in France claim Spurs tabled a €15 million bid for the midfielder earlier this week. However, in light of developments over Luka Modric's prospective transfer to Real Madrid, Villas-Boas is now seeking "a more creative player".

"[M'Vila] is an interesting player, but I don't think he will join Tottenham," Villas-Boas said.

"The player is a player of defensive characteristics. We had initial interest in M'Vila but we have moved on from that one and are now looking for a more creative player."

The former Porto manager, meanwhile, is still keen to bring Moutinho to White Hart Lane, but says Spurs will be priced out of a move for the Portugal international.

"It will be very difficult to sign him. I have experience of Porto and it is a club that sells good products but they are expensive.

"It has been like that with numerous amounts of players and that is why it is very difficult," said Villas-Boas.

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