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Leandro Damiao flattered by Tottenham interest but not keen on move

Spurs made a last ditch bid for the striker during the January transfer window

Simon Rice
Monday 04 February 2013 15:29 GMT
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Leandro Damiao
Leandro Damiao

The chances of Leandro Damiao moving to Tottenham look to have receded yet further after the Brazillian said he expected to stay at Internacional “for a long time”.

Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for the striker during the January transfer window, with manager Andre Villas-Boas singling out the 23-year-old as his main target.

Reports emerged on deadline day that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy had made a last ditch attempt to bring the Brazilian to White Hart Lane. However, the bid, understood to be in the region of £13m, was unsuccessful.

When quizzed about the deal after the close of the window, Villas-Boas indicated that Tottenham might have ended their interest in the Brazil international.

"We have made it public before that he is a player that we chase, but we couldn't agree on the full conditions so we've moved on," he said.

Whether Tottenham are interested in returning for Leandro in the summer may be inconsequential after the player said that while flattered by the interest shown in him, he was happy at Internacional.

“Internacional’s president Giovanni Luigi knows I always wanted to stay, regardless of any offers that could come," he said.

“I certainly thank Tottenham. They are a big club in Europe but my focus is on Inter.

“I hope to help Inter for a long time. I have a long contract and I am very happy and focused.”

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