Published: 3 January, 2013
by DAN CARRIER

TOTTENHAM hope to pull off a double transfer coup with echoes of the deals that brought South American stars Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles to White Hart Lane.

Chairman Daniel Levy is looking at bids for two long-term  targets during the January transfer window. Spurs have long-admired Brazilians Willian, who plays for Russian club Shakhtar Donetsk, and Leandro Damiao who plays in his homeland for Internacional.

With their compatriot Sandro already enjoying top billing at Spurs, manager Andre Villas-Boas believes the pair could both be persuaded to make the switch to north London in January. Speaking after the 3-1 New Year’s Day victory against Reading, AVB said: “I’m pretty happy with what I have got. We have different players for different positions.

“This does not mean we will not do something in January, but we do already have a good balance to the team.” And, teasing the fans, the Spurs boss added that he thought both Brazilians would be excellent additions.

He added: “We got in touch with Willian in the summer, and he is one of the players that interests us. I like his style but we could not reach the value Shakhtar were asking. It does not mean we won’t try again.”

AVB added that Damiao – who Spurs have been linked with for three years – was also an option to bolster an attack that fans desperately feel needs strengthening.

“We follow the best players and youngsters. Leandro fits this profile. He has had injuries after London 2012, but he is a player that is always on our list,” he said.

With long-term absentees such as Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul returning to training, he said he felt he had cover in all positions and a good balance in the squad.

However, insiders admit it would be surprising if the lessons of the last transfer window weren’t taken on board. Last term, with Spurs sitting in third, the signings came at the very end of the window and saw veterans Ryan Nelsen and Louis Saha join the ranks. Combined they only made a few, peripheral appearances.

The Lane exit door is likely to swing open to make further funds available. Jermaine Jenas, Tom Huddlestone, Heurelho Gomes, David Bentley and Danny Rose are all said to be available.