Spurs snap up Taarabt
08 Jun 2007 - 16:42:04
Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Lens teenager Adel Taarabt on a permanent transfer after the midfielder impressed during a loan spell at White Hart Lane.
The 18-year-old made two substitute appearances for Martin Jol's side - at West Ham United and Chelsea - in the closing weeks of the season.
Taarabt - who has represented France at U-16, U-17 and U-18 levels - moved to north London in January and was a regular in the reserves.
"I didn't expect Adel to break into the first-team group so early," sporting director Damien Comolli admitted to the club's official website.
"We told him the first six months were for him to settle down and then we would take it from there.
"After just a short time he came on against West Ham and changed the game before getting another chance at Chelsea. We were a little bit surprised it happened so quickly for him, but we also know his talent is unbelievable.
"Physically he has become a lot stronger and fitter since joining and he needs to remain on that path. We are very happy he will be committing his future to us in making this move permanent."
