Southampton could make move for Tottenham target Leandro Damiao

Brazilian striker has been a long time target for the north London club but Mauricio Pochettino is considering a shock move for Damiao

Leandro Damiao (GETTY IMAGES)

Southampton could be set to steal Leandro Damiao from under the nose of Tottenham as Mauricio Pochettino confirmed his interest in the Brazilian striker.

Spurs have been linked with the Internacional forward for over two years, and manager Andre Villas-Boas has made no secret of his interest in Damiao.

But it appears Saints may be preparing an audacious bid to land the Brazilian international, who would have been part of the victorious Confederations Cup squad had injury not robbed him of the chance to take part.

With progress slow on Spurs’ pursuit of Damiao, and their focus being occupied by the impending signing of his Brazilian teammate Paulinho who could join later today, Southampton may have chosen the perfect time to steal in and bring the 23-year-old to the south coast.

Internacional are resigned to losing their prized asset, who scored 24 goals in 43 games last season, and he is widely expected to be part of Luis Felipe Scolari’s World Cup squad in Brazil next year.#

Pochettino is also interested in Valencia midfielder Ever Banega as he looks to revamp the squad that he took over from Nigel Adkins last season, as well as Celtic’s Victor Wanyama, although Saints are believed to be short on meeting the Kenyan’s wage demands.

It is also believed that both Southampton and Spurs have been offered Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo, though Manuel Pellegrini has been linked with making a move for the forward, making Pochettino’s task difficult to lure the player to St Marys.