Tottenham confirms deal for Paulinho

Tottenham have agreed a £17million deal to sign midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians, according to the Brazilian club.

The Brazil international held a press conference on Monday, one day after lifting the Confederations Cup with his country, to confirm he is leaving the Sao Paulo club.

The club also said in a statement on their website that Spurs were set to pay 20 millions euros (£17million) to release the player from his current deal.

"It's hard to say anything at a moment like this, but I am sure those were three wonderful years in my career, with many titles and working with the right people, who always helped me," Paulinho, 24, told reporters. "What I have to say to Corinthians is 'see you soon'. Pretty soon I'll be back, owing to everything you have done for me."

The statement from Corinthians thanked Paulinho for his contribution to the team, with the midfielder helping them win the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2011 and both the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup last year.

He scored 34 goals in 167 appearances for the club and was also instrumental in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Spain yesterday in the final of the Confederations Cup. Spurs offered no comment when contacted on Monday night.

Tottenham midfielder Sandro believes the arrival of compatriot Paulinho at White Hart Lane will help them challenge for UEFA Champions League football. Having narrowly missed out on a top-four finish last season, Spurs will hope to challenge Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United once again.

Sandro told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here. This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions. Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger."

And the former Internacional man, who missed the second half of last term with a serious knee injury, has vowed to help his fellow countryman settle in England.

He added: "I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho.' I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."