EPL Transfer News: Damiao Open to Tottenham Summer Move, But Wants to Play in the Champions League

Jun 03, 2013 03:52 AM EDT

Brazil international Leandro Damiao said he would be open to a move to Tottenham in the summer, but admitted he would prefer to play for a club in the Champions League.

Spurs have been chasing Damiao for a couple of seasons now and the English Premier League side, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League this season, are again expected to make an attempt at bringing in the Internacional striker to White Hart Lane.

Damiao revealed his desire to play in Europe's elite competition, but said the clinching factor would be the ambition showed by the club.

"I know of Tottenham's interest in me but I am happy to wait until the president of my club lets me know something official," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"I would prefer to play in a team that is in the Champions League, but the most important thing is that they share the same ambition that I have."

Damiao, who was involved for Brazil in the 2-2 draw against England at the Maracana on Sunday, said he does not believe Roy Hodgson's side will pose a big threat in the 2014 World Cup.

"I don't see that there is any reason to fear England at the World Cup," Damiao added.

"Brazil always expect to win the World Cup -- and even more so when it is being staged in our own country.

"And when you look at the nations who are a threat to us doing that, we don't see England as one of them.

"Spain have dominated lately and Germany are clearly also a very powerful team. They are the teams who I think will be our major competition. I do not rate England to be anywhere near that level.

"The Premier League is one of the best in the world -- but maybe that does not help England.

"It is a very rich league and clubs can afford to buy the best players in the world.

"Here in Brazil there is a big emphasis on developing players that maybe you don't get in England."

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