Spurs' New Signings

Spurs Sign Taarabt and Alnwick

Adel Taarabt

With the January transfer window open Spurs have announced the signing of two young players.

They have reached agreement with Lens for the loan of French midfielder Adel Taarabt. He is 17 years old and will register with Spurs when his International Transfer Certificate has been received from the French Football Federation.

Taarabt is an attacking midfield player who can also play as a second striker and is able to play on either wing. He has represented France at U-16, U-17 and U-18 level and made his first team debut with Lens earlier in the season.

Taarabt is regarded as one of the best talents in Europe for his age group and it is reported that a number of other Premiership clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, were interested in signing him.

Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick has been signed from Sunderland with Marton Fulop moving in the opposite direction. Alnwick who is 20-years old broke into the Sunderland team during their Championship winning campaign of 2004-05 and then made seven Premiership appearances the following season - including playing at White Hart Lane when he saved a penalty from Robbie Keane. The initial fee will be £900,00.

He made a total of 22 first team appearances for Sunderland and has played for England at Under-17, U18, and U19 level. He was in the Under-21 squad for the game against Moldova last August.

Marton Fulop joined Spurs from MTK Hungaria in May 2004 and had loan spells at Chesterfield and Coventry. The Hungarian international played a number of pre-season friendlies but was third choice at White Hart lane behind Robinson and Cerny. He joined Sunderland on loan in November and his move now becomes permanent for a fee of £500,000.

Spurs are continuing their policy of signing young players with an eye to them developing into Premiership players with further experience.