Tottenham sign Brazil midfielder Paulinho

Brazil midfielder Paulinho has joined Tottenham from Corinthians for a fee of just under £17m.

Paulinho, who starred in Brazil’s Confederations Cup triumph, passed a medical before finalising his contract.

The 24-year-old arrived in London on Thursday and met Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas and chairman Daniel Levy.

Real Madrid also showed an interest in Paulinho, who has also played for Lithuanian side FC Vilnius and Polish club LKS Lodz.

Sao Paulo-born Paulinho scored 34 goals in 167 games for Corinthians and played in his country’s 3-0 win over Spain in the Confederations Cup final.

He also played for Corinthians in their Club World Cup final win over Chelsea in December.