Corinthians have announced Paulinho's transfer is "imminent".

The Brazil midfielder has talked up the prospect of moving to Tottenham.

"Besides the signings we also suffered harassment of the top clubs in the world on some of our key players," read a club statement from president Mario Gobbi Filho.

"We make every effort to keep them, but we have to evaluate the good proposals and understand the goals and aspirations of life of each of our athletes.

"With the imminent departure of Paulinho we trust in football other players that are being prepared for some time, as William and Edenilson, or even the newly hired Ibson."