Tottenham have signed goalkeeper Ben Alnwick from Sunderland in
a deal which could be worth up to £1.3million.
The 20-year-old, who has been called-up to the England Under-21
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.
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: '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
initially.
