Thursday, 23rd August, 2012
Despite fevered speculation linking Tottenham Hotspur with a renewed bid for Internacional striker Lenadro Damiao, the Brazilian club’s president has poured cold water on talk the player could be leaving, insisting only an "extraordinary" offer will turn his side’s head.
Spurs are thought to be looking to sign another striker before the summer transfer window slams shut – and are long-time admirers of Damiao, having had bids for his services rejected in the past.
Internacional well appreciate the value of the Brazil hitman and will not allow him to leave for anything less than an eye-popping fee.
It is a position president Giovanni Luigi has reiterated, while stressing that Spurs have not recently approached him.
"No representative of Tottenham is here and there is nothing scheduled", Luigi told Globo Esporte, when asked about talk Spurs want Damiao.
"Those who have been coming to us are agents. I have nothing scheduled with Tottenham", he added.
And Luigi was insistent that it will take big money to sign the 23-year-old.
"Internacional want to keep Leandro Damiao.
"He will go only if there is an extraordinary offer."
Damiao was in impressive form this summer with Brazil at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The striker found the back of the net six times in the men’s football tournament, although it was not enough to secure the gold medal for Mano Menezes’ men, who had to settle for silver after losing to an inspired Mexico side.
It did however reinforce Damiao’s reputation as one of the most exciting young forwards in South American football.
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