Willian
Willian will be a brilliant signing for Tottenham, according to former Anzhi coach Rene Meulensteen.

Former Anzhi Makhachkala coach Rene Meulensteen believes Tottenham Hotspur have made a huge coup in purchasing Willian, with the winger believed to be close to signing off a deal with Spurs.

Liverpool had shown a great deal of interest in the Brazil international in recent weeks, but with Tottenham preparing for the loss of Gareth Bale the north London club were willing to pay more for the star as Anzhi continue their fire sale.

And Meulensteen, who worked under Guus Hiddink at the Russian club and then had a particularly short coaching stint before being replaced by Ghadzi Gadzhiyev, believes that Willian could prove to be the signing of the season as Tottenham aim for the top four.

"I've worked with him for a short time but I really, really like him. He will be an asset for whoever's going to get him," he told Sky Sports News.

"If it's Spurs that's going to get him they'll get an excellent player. He's very versatile, he can play in different positions, he's a very creative player and an excellent professional with a very good personality.

"He's going to be a major trump card for Spurs if they can get the deal to go through.

"He can beat a player, he can score a goal. I thought he was an absolute delight to work with."

Reports have circulated that Willian has already undergone a medical at Tottenham, and should the 25 year old make the move to White Hart Lane it will certainly soften the blow of losing Bale, who is believed to be in advanced talks over a cash plus player swap deal with Real Madrid.

Fabio Contreao is believed to be the player whom Madrid are willing to part with, leaving Spurs fans feeling particularly buoyed about the season ahead despite losing their top player.