Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a swoop for Fluminese’s goal-scoring left winger Thiago Neves, with Manchester United, AC Milan and Palermo all also linked to the Brazilian International.

23-year-old Neves joined the Tricolor carioca in 2007, scoring 30 goals in 82 appearances, which has brought him to the attention of a host of European sides, with it believed he could be available for a fee in the region of £9million.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos is keen to add Neves to his midfield at White Hart Lane, with the departure of midfielder Teemu Tainio to Sunderland and Steed Malbranque weighing up a move to the Stadium of Light.

Neves has one cap for Brazil and was named best player of Brasileiro 2007 by Brazilian sports paper Placar, also being named in their team of the year.