Tottenham have signed French midfielder Adel Taarabt on loan from Lens.
The 17-year-old has represented France at junior levels and Spurs Sporting Director Damien Comolli said: “Adel is recognised as one of the best talents in Europe for his age.
“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,” added Comolli.
“We’re especially pleased that we beat several leading Premiership clubs to his signature.”
Although it is a long-term loan deal, the teenager claimed in December that Tottenham had signed him on a five-year contract.
“I have signed with the London club for a period of five years,” Taarabt told the Lens website.
“To be more precise, it is a three-year contract, with an option for two more years.
“Other than Tottenham, there were also Arsenal and Chelsea.
“But I opted for Spurs because of their plans for me. They effectively offered to quickly integrate me into the first team to offer me maximum playing time.
“Arsenal and Chelsea, as with Lens, suggested that I spent time in the youth team and the reserves.”
