Internacional president Giovanni Luigi has placed a €60 million price tag on star striker Leandro Damiao, according to ESPN Soccernet.
The long-time Spurs transfer target had reportedly been closing in on a deal to join Portuguese-speaking manager Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane, but Internacional’s asking price for the Brazilian front-man may prove to be too much for the north London club.
“I think it’s very hard for the transfer to happen unless Tottenham pay the €60 million (£47m) buyout fee that is included in his contract,” Luigi told O Jogo.
“Leandro Damiao has four more years on his contract. He is a very well paid player and has nothing to complain about. And we don’t need to sell. We are a rich club with an enviable structure.”
Despite reports suggesting Spurs are somewhat close to agreeing a deal for Damiao, Internacional vice-president Luciano Davi has revealed that Spurs, or any club for that matter, have not launched an official approach for the 23-year-old forward.
“Right now Leandro Damiao is the only player that worries us but we have received no official offers for him,” Davi told Lancenet.
On Saturday, Brazil and Damiao fell to Mexico (2-1) in the Men’s Football Gold Medal Match at Wembley Stadium. Oribe Peralta Morones (1′) put Mexico ahead in record time after netting the fastest goal ever in a FIFA tournament final 28 seconds into the match.
The 28-year-old doubled the underdogs’ lead in the 75th minute, sealing Mexico’s place in Olympic history forever, and taking the Seleção’s record in Gold Medal matches to 0-3.
Porto want €100m for Hulk
Portuguese giants FC Porto have insisted that Hulk, who has been linked with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Zenit St Petersburg, will not leave the Dragões for less than his €100 million release clause, Sky Sports understands.
Like Damiao, Hulk won a silver medal at the London 12 Summer Olympics with the Brazilian national team.
In addition, he tallied 20 goals and two assists in 32 appearances (30 starts) for Porto in all competitions last term.
Mancini confirms Balotelli interest
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that the defending English Premier League champions have rejected ‘four or five’ approaches for Italian striker Mario Balotelli, Sky Sports reports.
The former Inter Milan forward has attracted interest from Italy and France following a stellar Euro 2012.
“Many important teams wanted him but he’s a top player and I never thought about saying yes to any of them,” said Mancini.
City will kick-off their 2012-13 campaign against Chelsea in the FA Community Shield at Villa Park on Sunday, 12 August.
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