'Willian would be great signing for Tottenham but Spurs must sell first'

Willian would be “a good signing” for Tottenham, says former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson, but Jose Mourinho will have to sell in order to make room for the Chelsea forward.

The experienced Brazil international is approaching the end of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

He is expected to have no shortage of suitors and has expressed a desire to remain in European football for the foreseeable future.

It is understood that Willian’s preference would be to remain in England.

Arch-rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with moves to secure the services of a proven Premier League performer.

Spurs boss Mourinho has worked with the South American before and is eager to bring further attacking options into a squad that has been decimated by injury this season.

He does, however, already boast plenty of attacking midfielders on his books and Robinson believes players would need to be moved out in order for Willian to be brought in.

The ex-Tottenham custodian told Football Insider: “It would be a good signing.

“I think it is a player who Mourinho knows well. I would be surprised if Chelsea let him go because he is a top player.

“Spurs have a lot of attacking midfield players and he fits that bill as to what they have already got.

“There would have to be a few outgoings but that is a manager putting his stamp on a squad.

“Implementing the changes and getting the players he wants. Mourinho was brought in for a reason and Spurs will have to let him do that to an extent.

“I would be very surprised if he [Willian] came in as another, there would have to be outgoings first to make room. He is very similar to what they have already got.”

Willian has made 329 appearances for Chelsea over the course of a seven-year spell, with 59 goals contributed to a cause that has delivered Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League success.