Spurs Alnwick deal for keeps
Tottenham have signed goalkeeper Ben Alnwick from Sunderland in a deal that could be worth up to £1.3m (€2.6m).
The 20-year-old, who has been called-up to the England U21 squad but is so far uncapped, has been tipped as a long-term successor to Paul Robinson at White Hart Lane.
Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli said: “We are very pleased to bring another young and talented prospect to the club.
“Ben may only be 20 years old but he has significant international and Premiership experience. Ben showed great motivation and desire to join us and I know he is excited to be part of our future.”
Tottenham’s Hungarian goalkeeper Marton Fulop has been on loan at the Stadium of Light since November but has now signed permanently for £500,000 (€986,800).
Spurs have also brought in French midfielder Adel Taarabt on loan from Lens.
The 17-year-old will be loaned to White Hart Lane after his registration is sent from the French Football Federation.
Taarabt has represented France at junior levels and can play as an attacking midfielder or a support striker.
Comolli told the club’s website www.spurs.co.uk: “Adel is recognised as one of the best talents in Europe for his age group and as a club we’re especially pleased that we beat several leading Premiership clubs to his signature.
“He will be a healthy addition to the squad and is a continuation of our policy of attracting the best young talent as we constantly seek to improve the quality of the team both now and for the future.”
The move is understood to be a long-term loan, and Taarabt may eventually sign permanently.
Spurs boss Martin Jol has invested in the best young British talent since his appointment in 2004, with Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson currently in the first team, and Alnwick now back-up to England international Robinson.
Dutchman Jol has explained that the transfer market meant he could not continue this trend last summer, but he still brought younger players such as Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Dorian Dervite to the club.
Assou-Ekotto has enjoyed a run in the first team while Dervite has played in the reserves, which is where Taarabt may start.
