“He is coming home”: Spurs hopes to welcome the “Excellent” star back to the Premier League.

Raphinha is a “world class player” who could offer Tottenham real quality as long as his attitude is right, says Paul Robinson.

Agent Paul O Keefe reported on 5 February that the Brazil international is in Spurs’ sights for a summer return to the Premier League from Barcelona.

Robinson believes the 27-year-old was “excellent” in England previously with Leeds United and has the versatility to work all across the attack in North London.

His only concern with the mooted summer transfer is whether Raphinha would be fully bought into the operation but is confident Ange Postecoglou wouldn’t leave that to chance before making a move.

Robinson exclusively told Tottenham News: “He was excellent with Leeds and I think the important thing with him is his attitude and his application. If you get that right the quality is there.

“With a manager like Ange, the man-management that he has and how he deals with players, it would be something they would do their due diligence on before the player came in.

“But I think he’s a world class player. He can play left or right, he can actually play as a nine as well. He scores goals, creates, and he’s one of those flair players.” 

Raphinha return at Tottenham after Leeds United showcase?

If Spurs could land the Leeds United version of Raphinha he would appear to be everything that the manager looks for on the pitch, in a way that the likes of Bryan Gil is not.

The attacker was a huge reason why the now-Championship club stayed in the top flight two seasons ago, and there didn’t appear to be an issue with his commitment during that relegation battle even as it looked clear he would be courted that summer.

A £55million Camp Nou move followed after a drawn-out saga [Sky Sports], and despite 50 appearances in all competitions last term while winning La Liga he has featured less under the exit-bound Xavi [BBC Sport, 27 January] this year, so could be an attractive option for Spurs.

Timo Werner arrived in attack in the January window but is only on loan, and Raphinha can also fulfil a lot of what the now-departed Ivan Perisic was capable of before his injury.

In other Tottenham news, the club have been highly commended for being able to put themselves in position to pursue such top-level transfer deals.