• Premier League

Spurs complete Paulinho signing

Paulinho is on the way to the Premier League © PA Photos

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Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Brazil international midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians.

The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with the Premier League side for a number of months, confirming his departure from Corinthians earlier in the week before heading to North London for a medical and to agree personal terms.

The all-action midfielder joins Andre Villas-Boas' squad for a fee believed to be in the region of £17 million.

"I am very happy and excited to have joined Spurs," he said. "It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham."

Paulinho is expected to be partnered in midfielder alongside compatriot Sandro, who is delighted to see his international team-mate join him at club level.

"I think he has what it takes to do well here," Sandro told Globo Esporte. "This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions.

"Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger.

"I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'. I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing [Heurelho] Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."

The new signing is also likely to pave the way for Scott Parker to depart the club. The England international has been strongly linked with QPR in recent days. Tom Huddlestone, who has attracted reported interest from Sunderland, could also exit White Hart Lane in search of first team football.

During his time at Corinthians Paulinho made 167 appearances, scoring 34 goals.

He also has 17 caps and five goals for Brazil - and recently helped them to win the Confederations Cup.

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