RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian champions Cruzeiro have revealed they could make a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho in the January transfer window.

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

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

Cruzeiro's football director Alexandre Mattos said Tottenham had indicated the 26-year-old could be released on loan.

"We don't know if they will loan him to a Brazilian or European club but we think top players would be interested in coming to Cruzeiro," Mattos told local radio station Itatiaia on Wednesday.

Cruzeiro could face competition from Paulinho's former club Corinthians, who the 26-year-old helped to the 2012 Brazilian Serie A-Copa Libertadores double.