Anzhi's Brazilian forward Willian has jetted into North London for a medical - according to the Mirror - as Tottenham are set to break their record transfer fee for the third time this summer. With Gareth Bale edging closer to a move to Real Madrid, Willian is seen as a direct replacement for the Welshman.
Anzhi Makhalachkala have encountered money problems, resulting in the Russians, who currently sit 2nd bottom in their league, to put their entire squad up for sale.
High earners like Samuel Eto' and Willian, who only joined from Shaktar Donetsk in January; have been told they can leave.
Full name; Willian Borges da Silva, is no stranger to success, he won four Ukranian league titles and a UEFA cup during his time at Shaktar. Although his international career hasn't taken off with Brazil, to date he has only made 2 appearances for the senior squad.
Here is what Spurs can expect from the Brazilain, who will cost around £30million.
Willian, 25, is a player who can be deployed in a central attacking position, but would prefer to operate on the left-wing, supporting a striker in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. His best attributes are speed and skill, this coupled with his natural ability means he can beat defenders with ease. In Anzhi's season so far Willian has had a ''take on'' success rate of 68%.
One of the main Spurs players to benefit from Willians style of play could be Spanish striker, new recruit Roberto Soldado. The 28 year looked starved of possesion at times in Spurs' season opener against Crystal Palace. Spurs seemed short of a winger who could create chances for Soldado, in Willians four games this season, he has assisted 3 of Anzhis goals. He could be the man to carve out clear cut chances for the Spaniard to finish.
People say Willian's scoring prowess mightn't be as great as his ability to assist, he has only scored one in eleven for Anzhi since joining from Shaktar Donetsk. But a look at his Champions League group-stage campaign with Shaktar Donetsk last season, the stats are very impressive, scoring four in six for the Ukranian side before joining Anzhi.
The star, who also played for Corinthians has big shoes to fill, but Willian and Soldado could be a fearsome-duo; and Spurs look like they could possibly mount a title challenge.
Source: DSG
