Tottenham could smash transfer record to land Portugal ace

Tottenham’s interest in Joao Moutinho has been well-documented this summer, with the Portuguese midfielder thought to be Andre Villas-Boas’ priority transfer target.

His current club Porto’s transfer fee demands have previously complicated potential deals, but Villas-Boas has not been deterred, and could break Spurs’ transfer record to land the schemer.

Porto are thought to want £30million for the 25-year-old, who impressed massively in Portugal’s run to the Euro 2012 semi-finals this summer.

And with Tottenham having previously paid out £16.5million for Luka Modric and Darren Bent respectively, Spurs’ meeting of Porto’s demands would see them dwarf their previous record fee.

But with Rafael Van der Vaart’s departure from White Hart Lane now all but confirmed, Villas-Boas is likely to be afforded the funds to strengthen his midfield.

And in Moutinho, he believes he has identified the perfect player to complement new addition Moussa Dembele.

Moutinho himself would likely embrace the move too, after enjoying unprecedented success under Villas-Boas during the coach’s tenure as Porto boss.

Indeed, the Portuguese side claimed the domestic title and the Europa League in Villas-Boas’ sole season in charge, where Moutinho featured predominantly.

Now thought to be closer than ever to sealing a move to North London, Spurs fans will be hoping Moutinho’s reunion with Villas-Boas can reap similar rewards this season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.