Spurs sign 'French Walcott'
Martin Jol is amassing a promising group of young starlets at White Hart Lane
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Tuesday, 02, Jan 2007 03:41
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the loan signing of young French midfielder Adel Taarabt from Lens.
The 17-year-old will complete his move to White Hart Lane subject to receiving the necessary clearance from Uefa and Fifa that is required for international transfers.
Taarabt is naturally an attacking midfielder and can play in the centre, on either wing or up front as a second striker. Analysts suggest that he is likely to be nurtured primarily as a left-wing or attacking midfield prospect.
Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli suggests that the club successfully trumped competition for the teenager's signature from "several leading Premiership clubs".
"Adel is recognised as one of the best talents in Europe for his age," Comolli said.
"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."
Taarabt made his first-team debut for Lens earlier this season, although he has played just a few minutes of senior football in the French league when he appeared as a late substitute.
He has been described by some as a 'French version' of young English starlet Theo Walcott, also 17, who plies his trade with Tottenham's north London rivals Arsenal.