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Tottenham allegedly in pole position for Rafinha but report gives West Ham hope

Manuel Pellegrini, manager of Manchester City and Mauricio Pochettino Manager of Tottenham Hotspur greet prior to the Barclays Premier League match...
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Barcelona star Rafinha could be playing Premier League football in London very soon with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United linked.

Rafinha of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Granada CF at Camp Nou stadium on October 29, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.

This could be one of the most interesting transfer battles in England over the summer.

According to FC Inter News, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are now set to go head-to-head for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha.

These bitter London rivals have both been linked with the 24-year-old Brazilian in recent weeks, but it seems the race is about to hot up particularly with Inter Milan, where Rafinha spent the second half of last season on loan, seemingly dropping out of the race.

Inter Milan's French forward, Yann Karamoh (R) celebrates with teammate Brazilian midfielder Rafinha Alcantara after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Inter Milan Vs...

FC Inter News reports that Inter have told Rafinha that they have no interest in signing him permanently, perhaps because Radja Nainngolan seems set to arrive from Serie A neighbours AS Roma instead.

And it is understood that Tottenham are now in pole position to sign the versatile play-maker with the North London giants given permission by Barcelona to enter talks with a player valued at around £30 million.

Rafinha of FC Barcelona tries an overhead kick during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Camp Nou stadium on March 19, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.

But, intriguingly, the report adds that Spurs must be wary of West Ham, who are expected to step on the accelerator over the next few days.The Hammers have already shown their ambition this summer, hiring Manuel Pellegrini on a huge contract and breaking their transfer record for Issa Diop.

There is a good chance that Rafinha could be playing his football in the English capital next season, then. But will he be wearing the white of Tottenham or the claret and blue of West Ham?