Rio de Janeiro, Dec 28 (IANS): Brazilian football club Corinthians said they had all but ruled out a move to re-sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho.

The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with his former club after falling out of favour with the English club over the past year, reports Xinhua.

"There is nothing in the Paulinho (rumours)," Corinthians' director of football Ronaldo Ximenes said.

"Corinthians have the desire but Tottenham have said they will only sell him and we don't have the financial capacity to do that."

"The only viable option for us would be a year-long loan. But Tottenham don't want that, so right now its impossible. Only if they change their mind, which now looks unlikely, will Paulinho come back," he added.

Paulinho has made just 13 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham this season.

He has also lost his place in Brazil's national team, having failed to make Dunga's squad for the Selecao's six friendlies.

The Brazilian made 86 appearances for Corinthians and was a member of the team that won the 2012 Copa Libertadores.

Cruzeiro, winners of the past two Brazilian Serie A titles, have also been linked with the Spurs midfielder.