Spurs keeping tabs on young Brazilian defender

Tottenham Hotspur have sent scouts to Brazil to watch Cruzeiro defender Claudinho, according to Sky Sports News

The 21-year-old has impressed and reports back to White Hart Lane have been encouraging.

Italian clubs Udinese and Fiorentina are also understood to be tracking the centre-back.

His current contract expires with Cruzeiro in December 2013.

Claudinho, who has been likened to fellow countryman Lucio, is said to be valued at around £7m by his current employers.