Why Spurs should keep tabs on this £21m Brazilian ace:

The impact of Paulinho at White Hart Lane has been a joy to watch since his £17m summer move. More so than any of Andre Villas-Boas other recent additions, the Brazilian has helped elevate Spurs this season and is a major reason why the club is currently fifth in the Premier League (just two points away from second place).

Paulinho was instrumental during Tottenham’s hard-fought 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. He played a vital role in Andros Townsend’s messy opening goal and provided a perfectly weighted pass for Roberto Soldado to fire home Spurs’ second.

I think it’s fair to say that Andre Villas-Boas could use more players of his ilk.

There have been those who have listed Spurs as potential title contenders this year. But AVB will have to make further additions this January if that’s to be even remotely possible.

It’s my hope that Tottenham move in for Lazio’s ace midfielder, Hernanes during the January transfer window. I can’t help but feel that the 28-year-old Brazilian has all the qualities necessary to follow in Paulinho’s foot-steps.

The two players don’t just share a nationality. They share a hard-working, high-energy, forceful approach to the game. Both players also have remarkable technical ability, an eye for a pass and confidence in front of goal (Hernanes has scored 3 goals in 8 appearances this season).

Hernanes is a playmaker who always appears to have time on the ball, is able to pull off pinpoint accurate 30/40-yard passes and find gaps between defenders. He’d be a real asset for this Tottenham side.

But it won’t be easy for Spurs to get their man. He certainly wont come cheap. The International Business Times suggest that Lazio are holding out for 25m euros (£21m).

That’s a lot of money. Given how much Spurs have already spent in recent times, this price-tag may end up pricing Andre Villas-Boas out of a deal.

But if Daniel Levy is willing to finance the move, it would represent another big step forward for the club. Signing players like Hernanes will help Spurs move out from underneath Gareth Bale’s shadow. It will help Tottenham get to a position where they can start to genuinely challenge for silverware.

It’ll be interesting to watch this one play out. I certainly have my fingers crossed.

What’s your take? Do Tottenham need another crafty, creative midfielder? Should they move in for Lazio’s Hernanes?

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