Bentley reaches Spurs destination

Keane sale
The 23-year-old underwent a medical on Wednesday and becomes Tottenham's first signing since the sale of striker Robbie Keane to Premiership rivals Liverpool FC earlier this week. The north London club had already had a previous bid rejected but were able to increase their offer and end interest from Aston Villa FC after agreeing a fee for Keane that potentially could be worth €25m.

UEFA Cup aims
Bentley, whose contract is for a period up to six years, began his career at Arsenal FC, earning comparisons with Dennis Bergkamp, but joined Blackburn on loan in 2005 in the quest for more playing time. He soon penned a permanent deal with the Ewood Park outfit and went on to become an England international during his spell in the north-west, impressing with his technique and crossing ability. Capped six times at senior level, he will add strength to the right side of Juande Ramos's midfield as Tottenham aim to defend their English League Cup title.

'Means the world'
"It means the world to join Tottenham," Bentley said. "[Paul Gascoigne] was my favourite player, all my mates are Tottenham fans and there's a piece of my heart at this club. I didn't think they would be interested in me and when I became available there was nowhere else I wanted to go. I grew up through the Arsenal youth team but it's not a problem for me – all my heart is at Tottenham and all my passion will be tunnelled into doing well for Tottenham."

Contract extensions
Meanwhile, Bentley's new team-mates Jermaine Jenas and Michael Dawson have signed contract extensions keeping them at White Hart Lane until 2013. "These are exciting times with new players coming in, so I was keen to commit myself to Spurs for another five years," said midfielder Jenas, whose form last term earned him an England recall. Centre-back Dawson added: "I've been at the club for three and a half years and have loved every minute of it. When I was offered a new deal, I didn't think twice about signing."