Tottenham are unlikely to sign Porto's Joao Moutinho this summer, according to manager Andre Villas-Boas.
Moutinho has been linked with Tottenham for the last few weeks as the London club look to replace Luka Modric, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.
Moutinho and Villas-Boas worked together at Porto, but like many of the Portuguese club's players, the 25-year-old midfielder is thought to have a hefty release clause in his contract, in his case just over £30million.
Spurs are likely to receive that amount of money from Modric's sale, but they are also hoping to use some of the cash to add a much-needed striker.
And for that reason, Villas-Boas admits signing Moutinho is unlikely.
"It will be very difficult to sign him," Villas-Boas told a press conference.
"I have experience of Porto and it is a club that sells good products but they are expensive,
"It has been like that with numerous amounts of players and that is why it is very difficult."
Another target, Rennes' Yann M'Vila, is also unlikely to sign.
"He is an interesting player, but I don't think he will join Tottenham," Villas-Boas said.
"The player is a player of defensive characteristics.
"We had initial interest in M'Vila but we have moved on from that one and are now looking for a more creative player."
Of more pressing concern to Villas-Boas is Tottenham's lack of firepower.
Jermain Defoe is the only recognised forward on the club's books, but talks over a permanent transfer for Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Tottenham are understood to have agreed a deal with the Barclays Premier League champions, but the player's £175,000 a week wage demands are reported to be preventing a deal from going through.
Villas-Boas insists it is important that Spurs act cautiously and not puncture their wage structure just to sign the striker, who was a big hit at White Hart Lane last term.
"We are trying to be more sensible," said Villas-Boas, who takes Tottenham to Newcastle on Saturday.
"I think the chairman is in contact with the player regularly and Manchester City.
"There is no news. Everyone knows the chairman likes to keep things on a reasonable level in terms of what we spend. He has been very sensitive on that."
