Hernanes
Hernanes is a reported target for Arsenal and Tottenham.

Arsenal and Tottenham are on alert for Samba star Hernanes according to reports in Italy, with the central midfielder continuing to delay contract talks with Lazio.

The Brazilian's contract runs out at the end of next season and he is yet to sign a new deal with the Serie A outfit. TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting that other clubs are readying bids with hope that he is still available come January.

After moving from Sao Paulo to Lazio in 2010 Hernanes has starred for the side and would no doubt be worth more than the €11.1m fee which the side paid for him.

Arsenal have long been credited with interest in the man who can operate as a playmaker or central midfielder and Tottenham are also believed to be considering making a move with his valuation decreasing due to his contract running down.

Both north London clubs are open to the possibility of paying for Hernanes in January and will use the fact that he could leave for free in the summer to their advantage, with hope of getting the best price possible out of Lazio.

The Gunners have got off to a flying start this season but their signing of Mesut Ozil on deadline day was only the beginning in their move to build a squad capable of challenging for trophies.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be preparing for another big-spending transfer window in January and while Hernanes comes with a top-class reputation he also won't cost the often-frugal manager nearly as much as Ozil did.

Wenger can also offer the 28 year old immediate Champions League football while for Tottenham this remains only a hope for next season as they look ahead to a tough campaign without Gareth Bale.

But Spurs have been successful in landing targets over their bitter rivals in recent seasons and the opportunity to play alongside fellow Brazilians Paulinho and Sandro could work in Villas-Boas' favour.