Tottenham have agreed a €20 million deal to sign midfielder Paul-inho from Corinthians, according to the Brazilian club.

The Brazil international held a press conference on Monday, one day after lifting the Confederations Cup with his country, to confirm he is leaving the Sao Paulo-based club.

The club also said in a statement on their website that Spurs were set to pay €20 million (£17 million) to release the player from his current deal.

“It’s hard to say anything at a moment like this, but I am sure those were three wonderful years in my career, with many titles and working with the right people, who always helped me,” Paulinho, 24, told reporters.

“What I have to say to Corinthians is ‘see you soon’. Pretty soon I’ll be back, owing to everything you have done for me.”

The statement from Corinthians thanked Paulinho for his contribution to the team, with the midfielder helping them win the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2011 and the Copa Libertadores and the Club World Cup last year.

He scored 34 goals in 167 appearances for the club and was also instrumental in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup on Sunday.