Tottenham turn to promising duo

Tottenham Hotspur FC have completed the signing of up-and-coming goalkeeper Ben Alnwick and secured the loan signing of midfielder Adel Taarabt from fellow UEFA Cup contenders RC Lens after receiving international clearance from the French Football Federation.

Alnwick arrival
Alnwick, who turned 20 on Monday, joins from Sunderland AFC in a deal first agreed in November, having helped them to promotion in 2004/05 before appearing seven times in their relegation campaign the following season. He has played for England at Under-17, U18 and U19 level and was in the squad for theiue successful UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying campaign. Tottenham have paid Sunderland €1.3m, which could rise with appearances, and moving the other way is Hungarian international goalkeeper Márton Fülöp, who has made his loan move to Sunderland permanent. Alnwick could be one of three new players that Tottenham can register ahead of their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie with Feyenoord in February.

Signing welcomed
Taarabt, 17, made his Ligue 1 debut this season and can also play as a winger or support striker. He has played for France at Under-16, U17 and U18 level. Tottenham sporting director Damien Comolli said: "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."