Spurs swoop to sign combative Brazilian Sandro

Harry Redknapp has delved into the transfer market to sign long term target 21 year old Brazilian midfielder Sandro Ranieri.

The Spurs boss has been tracking the movements of the young holding midfielder for some time following a failed 14 million pound transfer bid last summer. Sandro, whose full name is Sandro Ranieri Guimarães Cordeiro, will add some resolve to a Spurs midfield that is largely built upon its attacking merits, and fill the void of left by the departure of Dider Zokora. Sandro made his full international debut for ten man Brazil in September 2009, coming off the bench to to replace Julio Baptista in a 4-2 World Cup Qualification win over Chile.

Whilst primarily a defensive player, the six foot one Internacional player harbours many of the ball-playing skills that we have come to expect from Brazilian footballers. His finishing appears decent too, as demonstrated in this video of his goal against Sporting Recife:



Prior to his move to north London, Sandro had been linked with moves to many of Europe's top clubs. It was rumoured that both the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in the young midfielder, whilst the main Italian interest appeared to be Fiorentina. However, it is the persistance of Spurs that has led to something of a coup for Redknapp's side.

It would be understandable for Spurs fans to have reservations, however. The last time their side splashed out on a Brazilian, they ended up with the mercurial 'keeper Heurelho Gomes. But early indications are promising on the prospects of the internationally decorated Sandro. Harry Redknapp has a strong pedigree in the transfer market, and doesn't often make mistakes, particularly when large fees are involved.

The Brazilian will join up with Spurs at the conclusion of this year's Copa Libertodores in July, subject to a medical, for a fee believed to be around £10 million.