For all of us who were hoping that Internacional's Leandro Damiao might be the first striker signed for Tottenham Hotspur of this summer transfer window, those hopes seem to be dashed. Sky Sports revealed this morning that the Brazilian has signed a new long-term deal with his current club.
Internacional coach Paulo Roberto Falcao is quoted as saying, "Now Leandro Damiao is at a wage level with the most valued players in the country." I'm entirely sure what that wage might be, but if nothing else it makes Internacional's asking price for Leandro rise.
This deal, after looking initially promising, seems to have foundered in recent weeks. The main stumbling block being the Brazilian club's desire to hold on to their player until the end of the Brazilian league season (in December). A Tottenham move for Leandro could still be possible in January, but by that time the player could have many other clubs vying for his signature.
This is doubly frustrating because Leandro is a good young player at a position that Spurs have a need at and because a purchase, any purchase, would show the fans and other clubs that there's still some life left over at White Hart Lane. Now we're barely a month from the beginning of the season and the clubs only signing has been an American goalkeeper who may, or may not, be first choice.
The Club must now turn their attention elsewhere in their never-ending pursuit of a striker.