Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has played down the prospect of signing Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho.

Should Luka Modric leave, Villas-Boas would want a midfield replacement but has again suggested that Tottenham would be priced out of a move for Moutinho, who played under him at Porto.

"It is straightforward to everyone the quality of the player but it is extremely difficult," said Villas-Boas. "The player has overtaken the price that Tottenham can achieve."