Chelsea keen on Paulinho

Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho at the end of the season, according to the Metro.

The Brazil international only arrived at White Hart Lane last summer, and has gone on to make thirty-five appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals.

Roma and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move to secure his services, though Blues boss Jose Mourinho is keen to steal a march on his rivals and wrap up a deal before the World Cup, where the 25 year old is set to feature.

The former Corinthians man has been capped twenty-five times by the five-time World Champions, scoring five goals including two on route to lifting the Confederations Cup in his home country last summer.

Brazil are favourites to emerge victorious at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on July 13th, and can be backed at a price of 11/4.