Tottenham Transfer Rumours: Spurs Reportedly Targeting 'Next Neymar' Neilton

Brazilian sensation Neymar is enjoying an impressive debut campaign with Barcelona. Now, the hunt is on to find the next rising superstar, and Tottenham have apparently set their sights on Neilton, another winger from Brazil with plenty of upside.

Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express reports Spurs originally showed interest in the 19-year-old Santos star during the summer transfer window, but their bid of £7 million was rejected.

Now, with the player's agent stating negotiations with the Brasileirao side have made limited progress toward an extension, Tottenham may be ready to make another run at him in January.

The Daily Express report includes information from Brazilian outlet Sambafoot, which reported European clubs are monitoring the situation closely with hopes of landing Neilton at a bargain price.

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According to Brazilian website Sambafoot, who spoke to de Almeida, Santos have offered £7,000 a month with Neilton holding out for £20,000 a month.

The website claims that the disparity between the two proposals has alerted European clubs to the possibility of signing Neilton cheaply in January, or getting the youngster to sign a pre-contract agreement that would see him move on a free transfer at the end of the season.

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So far, Neilton hasn't been receptive to talk about moving to another club, however.

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Despite the issues, Neílton has claimed he wants to stay at Santos.

"I want to stay. We are negotiating. I am not involved in the talks, but I intend to stay," he said at a sponsor event in Sao Paulo.

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Neymar is a special talent. Few players are capable of making such a smooth transition to an elite club like Barcelona at such a young age. Unfortunately for other budding stars, especially from Brazil, his success is going to raise the amount of pressure on them in the coming windows.

Neilton possesses enough raw talent to eventually live up to the hype. Whether he's ready to make a jump to Tottenham, or another club in a top European league, is unclear because he lacks experience, as you'd expect from a teenager.   

As is always the case, however, clubs are constantly looking for players with potential.

It's a lot easier to sign them for a mid-range price now and hope their value continues to rise. Otherwise, once they reach their peak it's going to cost top dollar. That's especially true if the "next Neymar" moniker ends up being true.

Tottenham are seemingly lining up a move, but they will likely be far from alone if Neilton becomes available during the winter window.