TOTTENHAM are going head-to-head with Liverpool for the signing of Anzhi Makhachkala's Brazilian midfielder Willian.
Liverpool dispatched chief scout Barry Hunter to conduct talks with Anzhi before the weekend for Willian, after the 25-year-old revealed he was keen on a move to Merseyside.
However, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is also an admirer of the winger and is prepared to fight Brendan Rodgers for his signature.
Anzhi chose to transfer list their entire squad following restructuring at business level, which has triggered interest in Willian.
The Russian giants are hopeful of recouping close to the £30million they paid Shakhtar Donetsk for Willian in January, and Spurs are better placed to pay such a figure as they expect to land a world record transfer fee for Gareth Bale.
With the North-London side's £60m outlay so far this summer splashed on recruiting Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue, the near-£30m addition of Willian could be completely paid off by Bale leaving for Real Madrid.
But Liverpool remain desperate to land the former Corinthians man themselves, who now has the luxury of choosing between Anfield or White Hart Lane this season.
Willian is expected to fly into England today to make a decision on his future as Spurs and Liverpool lock horns for his services.
On Friday, Willian admitted he was interested in a move to Liverpool and confirmed a previous bid was lodged for him from Manchester City.
"There was a Manchester City bid, that was turned down and that was a while ago," said Willian. "Now I'm waiting for a new bid in the next days from a few clubs, like Liverpool.
"If it's really Liverpool, then it is surely a great club. I'm hopeful and very calm, waiting for the best."
Source: Daily Express
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