Tottenham's biggest ever spending spree looks set to continue with the purchase of Anzhi Makhachkala forward Willian.
Tottenham have already broken their transfer record twice this summer in a £60million splurge and they could well break it again if they complete the signing of the Brazil international.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas spoke of his admiration for Willian at a press conference on Monday and it is understood that Spurs are closing in on the signing of the 25-year-old, who was also of interest to Liverpool.
Villas-Boas wanted Willian when he was at Chelsea and he was also interested in signing the versatile forward in January, only for him to move to Dagestan for a taste of Anzhi's riches.
Anzhi's billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov has since had a change of tack and he now wants to offload several of the club's top-paid stars, including Willian, who would prove to be an excellent acquisition, according to the former manager of the Russian club Rene Meulensteen.
"I've worked with him for a short time but I really, really like him. He will be an asset for whoever's going to get him,'' the former Manchester United coach told Sky Sports News.
"If it's Spurs that's going to get him they'll get an excellent player. He's very versatile, he can play in different positions, he's a very creative player and an excellent professional with a very good personality.
"He's going to be a major trump card for Spurs if they can get the deal to go through.
"He can beat a player, he can score a goal. I thought he was an absolute delight to work with."
Villas-Boas said on Monday that Spurs had not completed their work in the transfer market, and it appears that Willian may not be the London club's final signing in this window.
Source: PA
