29.06.2011, Alois Latini Stadion, Zell am See, AUT, Salzburger Land Cup, Shaktar Donezk vs Maccabi Haifa, im Bild Borges WILLIAN, Shaktor Donezk vs Gustavo BOCCOLI, Maccabi Haifa // during the Salzburger Land Cup 2011, Shaktar Donezk vs Maccabi Haifa, at the Alois Latini Stadium, Austria on 29/06/2011, EXPA Pictures © 2011, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ J. Feichter

Tottenham could steal Willian from under noses of Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their approach to sign Liverpool target Willian, according to reports on Monday morning.

29.06.2011, Alois Latini Stadion, Zell am See, AUT, Salzburger Land Cup, Shaktar Donezk vs Maccabi Haifa, im Bild Borges WILLIAN, Shaktor Donezk vs Gustavo BOCCOLI, Maccabi Haifa // during the Salzburger Land Cup 2011, Shaktar Donezk vs Maccabi Haifa, at the Alois Latini Stadium, Austria on 29/06/2011, EXPA Pictures © 2011, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ J. Feichter

The Brazilian winger is thought to be top of the Reds’ shopping list this summer after missing out on Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Brazilian attacker Diego Costa.

But suggestions in the press this week are abound that Andre Villas-Boas is keen on taking Willian to White Hart Lane, effectively pinching him from under the noses of Liverpool.

Jason Burt of the Telegraph believes the glitz and glamour of the capital could be enough to tempt the 25-year-old to North London rather than Merseyside:

While Liverpool would still appear to be favourites to sign Willian, Spurs have now made their move and the attraction of playing for Villas-Boas and also living in London could sway the player’s thinking.

The £30million-rated Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder last week expressed his desire to leave the Russian club for the Premier League, and said he was waiting for a club, “like Liverpool”, to come in with an offer.

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail also says Liverpool are now embroiled in a race with Tottenham for the Brazilian’s signature.

Talks are ongoing over a £25million move after Manchester United declared themselves out of the running for the Brazilian, leaving Tottenham as Liverpool’s main rivals. Newcastle and Arsenal asked to be kept informed.
Willian is on around £85,000 a week and Liverpool are eager to make a marquee signing but Spurs could outbid them on the fee.

There are two weeks left of the summer transfer window and as clubs begin to assess their early season prospects, the stakes in the bidding war may begin to hot up.

Liverpool hope to see through a season-long loan deal for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho today. Cissokho arrived on Merseyside at the weekend to undergo his medical ahead of the switch.

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