Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News: Spurs Close to Deal for Leandro Damiao

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be closing in on a deal for Internacional striker Leandro Damiao over the current winter transfer window.

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas had already stated earlier in the transfer window that Damiao "is a player that is always on our list"of potential transfers (via The Guardian). Now it seems, according to various media outlets, that the north London club are closing in on a deal for the 23-year-old.

Per The Telegraph:

"

Tottenham Hotspur are planning a £15 million bid for Brazil striker Leandro Damiao, with Emmanuel Adebayor set to complete an about-turn and play in the forthcoming African Cup of Nations.

[Andre] Villas-Boas is acutely aware that he does not want to upset the balance of his squad too much and make too many changes, but he is nevertheless a long-term admirer of Damiao, who was the top scorer in last summer's Olympics—with six goals in five appearances—and currently plays for Brazilian club Internacional.

Damiao, 23, has 14 full caps for Brazil and is a tall, powerful striker. Spurs have had offers for Damiao rejected in the past.

"

With Togo striker Adebayor possible set for a departure in the near future, Tottenham will have just Jermain Defoe and Clint Dempsey as their striker options—that is, if they can't convince the Brazilian international to sign with Spurs.

Defoe has been in career-best form at White Hart Lane this season and Dempsey is clearly talented, but both are not at the level as Damiao.

Given his age and proven ability, the 23-year-old would no doubt be a huge signing for the club and one that would clearly strengthen their attack this season—perhaps almost guaranteeing that top-four spot they so desperately desire.

With a midfield featuring the likes of Gareth Bale, Mousa Dembele, Aaron Lennon and Sandro, as well as the likes of Dempsey, Defoe and Adebayor, the arrival of Damiao would make Tottenham one of the strongest attacking sides in the league—week in and week out.

They are already inside the top four, and with that side, would be incredibly difficult to run down—regardless of how well their opponents might play.

Damiao would give them the tall, attacking presence that Villas-Boas wants Adebayor to be; perhaps the perfect combination between the Togolese's size and the clinical finishing of the smaller Defoe. In other words, a true lone forward at the top of the attack.

A target in the air for Bale and a man to play through for Dembele, the arrival of Damiao to White Hart Lane would be one with profound impact and significance.

And at £15 million, an absolute steal for Andre Villas-Boas' side.

Will Leandro Damiao make a move to Tottenham this transfer window?

Comment below or hit me up on Twitter:  Follow @dantalintyre