Spurs set to sign Willian as door opens for Bale
TOTTENHAM are expected to complete the club recor £30m signing of Anzhi Makhachkala forward Willian by the weekend, as they prepare for life after Gareth Bale, despite talk of a late snag in negotiations.
Willian flew into London earlier this week to undergo a medical and agree personal terms with Spurs as the north London club sought to finalise deals for reinforcements before allowing their sought-after Wales winger to join Real Madrid.
Villas-Boas yesterday confirmed talks had taken place regarding Willian’s arrival from Russia but declined to elaborate ahead of tonight’s first leg of a Europa League play-off with Dinamo Tblisi, for which they are without Bale.
Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini was in Madrid yesterday as talks over a deal that would finally take Bale to Spain progress, although it was unclear last night whether it would include Portugal left-back Fabio Coentrao moving the other way or leaving Real to stump up £93m in cash.
Yet, Villas-Boas is confident he will add at least one defender to his squad before the transfer window closes on 2 September, with Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches also on Spurs’ radar.
He said: “We will see some new players in defence and attack. We’re looking to be stronger than before.”
TBLISI TRIVIA
■ Form: Unbeaten two-game start to defence of Georgian Premier League
■ Star man: Spanish striker Xisco – not the former Newcastle flop
■ Stadium: Dinamo Arena