Tottenham Hotspur to offer Paulinho new deal?

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing a new deal for Brazilian midfielder Paulinho in order to stave off interest from Real Madrid, according to a report in the Daily Star.

Paulinho only joined Spurs in the summer, but it is believed that the club is looking to offer the player an extension beyond his current contract that expires in 2017.

Quoting reports in Brazil as their source, the newspaper also states that the new deal could include a further one-year extension to 2018, as well as a pay rise on the £3.6m the midfielder earns each year.

Paulinho has enjoyed a fine start to his career at Spurs, having played an integral role in the team's performances, which have left them seventh in the Premier League table with a game in hand over most sides.