Tottenham re-sign Mido
Martin Jol looking to boost his forward options
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Tuesday, 29, Aug 2006 10:38
Tottenham have completed the re-signing of Egyptian striker Mido from Roma, subject to the formality of receiving his work permit.
The 23-year-old forward spent the past 18 months on loan at White Hart Lane and Spurs boss Martin Jol admits he is delighted to have secured his signature on a permanent basis ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline.
"We've been tracking Mido since his loan ended and we were always keen to bring him back," Jol said. "Roma took some persuading and I'm delighted to have him in the squad."
He added: "He knows I like him as a player, his strength in the air and his mentality. It's an excellent addition to the squad and our striking options are now complete."
Mido, who scored 11 goals in 27 appearances in the Premiership last term before groin and knee injuries ended his season, added he is "very happy to be back" in north London.
"It was and it always will be a great honour for me to play for Tottenham," he admitted. "I always knew in my heart I would be coming back.
"It is a fantastic move for me, I have some good friends here and it will be good to be back with the lads. I can't wait to pull on a Tottenham shirt, to play at the Lane and score some goals."
Mido had been linked with Portsmouth, Blackburn and Newcastle this summer after Spurs appeared to end their interest in him by signing Dimitar Berbatov for £10.9 million from Bayer Leverkusen.
Jol could follow up the signing of Mido by finally landing Middlesbrough and England left-winger Stewart Downing.
Boro have already rejected an £8 million offer but Spurs' sporting director Damien Comolli has revealed they will continue to look to add to their squad.
"We will remain proactive until midnight on the 31st in the event of players becoming available who we feel will strengthen the squad," he explained.
"This will always be our objective but it is all about the availability of good players.
"We have been associated with many players during this period of intense speculation and where we have felt that comment is appropriate to distance ourselves from unhelpful inaccuracies, we have done so."