Tottenham are flagging in the race to sign Internacional striker Leandro Damiao in January.

The People says top Italian clubs, led by AC Milan and Inter, have been joined by Barcelona and Real Madrid in pursuit of the Internacional striker, who is rated as the hottest property in South America.

But the interest has forced his Brazilian club to slap a £50million price tag on the youngster - leaving Spurs as bystanders.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp grabbed Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City before the transfer window closed after Leandro's price suddenly rocketed.