Arsenal could be disappointed in their chase for midfielder Bernard, 20, after the player's father confirmed that Brazilian team-mate, 27-year-old striker Hulk, has persuaded the youngster Porto would be a better club at which to develop.

Tottenham and Liverpool are in a battle with three other clubs to sign highly rated 20-year-old Brazilian winger Bernard, who is set to quit his current club Atletico Mineiro.

Liverpool have approached Atletico Mineiro about winger Bernard, 20. The Brazil international has a release clause of approximately £20m, but a number of Champions League sides are believed to be interested in him.

Tottenham target Bernard has been urged to join Borussia Dortmund instead by his Brazil international team-mate Dante. The White Hart Lane club are desperate to tempt the 5ft 4in 20-year-old attacking midfielder to join them, but Dortmund have also targeted the Atletico Mineiro star as a possible replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze.

Tottenham are vying with Borussia Dortmund to sign Brazil and Atletico Mineiro winger Bernard, 20, and are interested in Fulham wide man Alex Kacaniklic, 21.