Villas-Boas: Spurs unlikely to sign M’Vila and Moutinho
Andre Villas-Boas has played down speculation that Tottenham Hotspur could sign midfielders Joao Moutinho and Yann M’Vila this summer.
With Spurs set to land a huge windfall from the imminent sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid attentions have now been switched to the search for a replacement for the Croatian international.
Portugal star Moutinho is thought to be at the top of Villas-Boas’ shopping list following a series of impressive displays for his country at the European Championships earlier this summer.
The pair worked together at Porto during the 2010/11 season, lifting three major trophies including the Europa League, and the 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to North London.
But the 34-year-old coach admits the likelihood of Moutinho appearing at White Hart Lane are slim as he can’t match the £30 million release clause in his contract.
“It will be very difficult to sign him,” Villas-Boas told a press conference.
“I have experience of Porto and it is a club that sells good products but they are expensive,
“It has been like that with numerous amounts of players and that is why it is very difficult.”
Theres also been talk of Villas-Boas making a move for Rennes enforcer M’Vila who is considered one of Europe’s hottest properties having become a regular for club and country during the past two years.
But the former Chelsea boss concedes that the France international is unlikely to join the club as he is already well stocked in the defensive midfield department with Scott Parker, Sandro and Tom Huddlestone vying for a starting spot.
“He is an interesting player, but I don’t think he will join Tottenham,” Villas-Boas said.
“The player is a player of defensive characteristics.
“We had initial interest in M’Vila but we have moved on from that one and are now looking for a more creative player.”
