Tottenham Hotspur are fearful that their move for Paulinho could be hijacked by their London rivals Chelsea, according to a report.

Spurs have agreed a fee with Corinthians for the Brazil international in the region of £17m after they met the 24-year-old's release clause.

However, Andre Villas-Boas's side believe that if a deal is not wrapped up quickly, then the Blues could come in with a late swoop and land the midfielder, reports The Mirror.

Paulinho is currently on international duty with Brazil at the Confederations Cup.