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Tottenham eye up former Arsenal target Hernanes after missing out on Willian to Chelsea
TOTTENHAM are lining up a bid for Brazilian midfielder Hernanes after missing out to Chelsea in their pursuit of Willian.
Willian had undergone a medical at Tottenham before a phone call from Blues owner Roman Abramovich and the prospect of Champions League football saw him heading to Stamford Bridge instead.
And according to talkSPORT Spurs have switched their attentions to Willian's compatriot Hernanes, who currently plays in Serie A with Lazio.
Tottenham have already moved to replace Gareth Bale, who now seems certain to join Real Madrid, with Roma's Erik Lamela and a £30m deal has reportedly been agreed.
But Andre Villas-Boas is thought to be keen on adding the 28-year-old Hernanes to further reinforce his midfield.
And Spurs could be aided in their pursuit as Hernanes is currently stalling over signing a new contract in Rome with his current one expiring in 2015.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito recently told Corriere dello Sport: "Until today no one has knocked on our door for Hernanes. Getting rid of Hernanes is not our intention; we intend to keep him.
"We are willing to continue our relationship and I think there is also his [desire]. I have not put him on sale and I have already been clear about this."
Last summer Arsenal were thought to be interested in bringing Hernanes to the Premier League with the player reportedly urging Lazio not to consider bids from any other clubs.
However, the Gunners interest appears to have cooled and Spurs would more likely face competition from both Milan clubs and Paris St Germain should Lazio consider parting with the player.