..::Football II::..

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Lille confirm Kalou capture

Lille confirm Kalou capture

Lille have confirmed that Salomon Kalou has penned a four-year contract with the club following his release by Chelsea. The Ivory Coast international spent six years at Stamford Bridge, but dropped into the free agent pool at the end of last season after seeing his deal with the Blues expire.He has agreed to take on a new challenge in France, with a long-term agreement put in place with Lille.

"LOSC formalises the arrival of Salomon Kalou, who has made the traditional medical visit after his arrival at Domaine de Luchin," read a statement on the club's official website."The contract of the 26-year-old European champion is four seasons. The former Chelsea player is committed to the club until 2016."

Ambitious

Kalou, who was brought to Chelsea by Jose Mourinho in 2006 after an impressive spell at Feyenoord, made 254 appearances for the Premier League club, including 147 starts, and scored 60 goals.

The frontman ended last season as a key member of manager Roberto Di Matteo's plans, making the starting line-up for Chelsea's victories in both the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals.Kalou joins a Lille side who were champions of France in 2011 and finished third last term to secure Champions League qualification.

The club is moving to a new stadium ahead of the new campaign and Kalou said: "The project of LOSC, especially with the arrival of the new stadium, is ambitious and I really liked it."From what I've discovered the club, it has nothing to envy the greatest outfits in Europe. I am now here to have fun."

 

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Nani 'very happy' at United

Nani 'very happy' at United

Portugal winger Nani says he is 'very happy' at Manchester United after confirming negotiations regarding a new contract are ongoing. Nani is approaching 200 appearances for the Red Devils after joining from Sporting Lisbon five years ago and has become an increasingly important member of the team.

The 25-year-old has been in talks with the Red Devils over an extension, but there have been reports that Nani is worried the club will sell him this summer.He believes he has the backing of manager Sir Alex Ferguson and is waiting to see how discussions over a new deal pan out.

Great faith

"We will see," Nani is quoted by the Times of India when asked about his future."I am very happy at Man United and have been there five years and won every title."The manager has great faith in me and that's what is important. My agent is negotiating and we'll see what happens."

Meanwhile, Nani is determined to make up for last season's heartache when United were denied the Premier League title in the final minutes of the campaign by local rivals Manchester City.He added: "That's football - you are always going to suffer disappointments and you just have to deal with them.

"Football is like life and so there will be times when you suffer a big disappointment."It hurt to miss the league title in the last minutes, City had incredible luck that day. Hopefully next season is our turn and it's up to us to make that happen."

 

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Valdes: Ronaldinho is the biggest talent I have seen

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has heaped praise on Ronaldinho, describing the Brazilian as the "biggest talent" he has witnessed.

The 32-year-old attacker, currently on the books of Atletico Mineiro, signed for Barca in 2003 and led the Blaugrana to two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown, winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice and the Ballon d'Or once in the process.

Lionel Messi has frequently been described as the best player of his generation and one of the best in the history of football, but Valdes has seemingly rated Ronaldinho higher than the Argentine.

"I have always said that 'Rony' changed the club's history when he played at Barca," he told Terra TV. "He was the leader of that team which changed [our] history. "We had not won any title for many years. He arrived and powered Barcelona to become a club known worldwide. And that alone is a reason to thank him. I would say he is the biggest talent I have seen in the dressing room. He was always doing new things."

Ronaldinho, who quit Barca in 2008 to purse his career at AC Milan, signed for Atletico Mineiro last month after rescinding his contract with Flamengo following a dispute over unpaid wages.

 

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Barcelona confirms Keita exit

Barcelona has announced on the club's official website that Seydou Keita has decided to leave the club.

The Mali international still had two years left on his contract with the Blaugrana, but a clause in the deal says that he can leave Camp Nou after failing to feature in at least 50 percent of the club's official matches last season.

He is expected to sign on Sunday a two-and-a-half-year deal with newly-promoted Chinese club Dalian Aerbin, who were linked with Didier Drogba and Amauri earlier in the year.

"Seydou Keita announced tonight that he will not continue at the club next season," a Barca statement read. "Barcelona would like to thank Seydou Keita for his role at the club in the last years and wish him new professional and personal successes in the future."

Keita signed for Barcelona in 2008 from Sevilla in a deal worth €14 million, scoring 22 goals in 168 matches for the Catalans.

He had been linked with a new challenge in recent weeks after a disappointing season in which he made just 22 competitive starts.

 

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Brazil legend Ronaldo: Messi is the best player in the world

Brazil legend Ronaldo has claimed that there is 'no doubt' that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.


The 35-year-old enjoyed stints at both Camp Nou, and at Real Madrid, and although he admits that he remembers his time at the Bernabeu more fondly, he cannot help but admire the Argentine.

"I am more a fan of Real Madrid," he told Marca. "But there is no doubt that Messi is the best player in the world."

The Brazilian went on to praise Spain's footballing approach at Euro 2012, and commended his former coach Vicente del Bosque on his use of the 'false nine' during La Roja's tournament victory.

"Football has been changing. I think Spain did a great job without a No.9. I know Del Bosque very well. I had him as a coach at Real Madrid, and he always played me as a pure No.9.
"It depends on each game, the opponent and much more [as to what formation you play]. I think the No.9 will always exist and will continue to figure in the game."

Ronaldo represented Barcelona betweet 1996 and 1997, and after a five-year stint in Italy with Inter, returned to La Liga and made over 200 appearances for Los Blancos before leaving the club in 2007.

 

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QPR owner: Transfer business shows we are serious

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes has claimed that the club's transfer dealings this summer indicate that it will be a force in the Premier League next season.

"It shows that we are serious," Fernandes told Sky Sports.

The Rs avoided relegation on the final day of last season, as Bolton's draw with Stoke consigned it to the Championship despite Mark Hughes' men's defeat at Manchester City.

The west Londoners have been busy in the transfer market already, capturing Robert Green, Andy Johnson, Ryan Nelsen and Samba Diakite, with a deal for Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung also understood to be near completion.

And the Malaysia-born businessman revealed his delight with the signings and insisted the future is bright at Loftus Road.

"We have done some good business already - five signings, good business and I think we have been the most active," Fernandes said. "It's been sensible business, we have gone step by step and we have made progress on the training ground, the one we are in, and we have got a new one coming, which looks pretty spectacular."

He added, "We have got a fantastic academy system coming and our new stadium, which really excites me."

QPR has also signed Park's United teammate Fabio on a year-long loan, with Hughes' links to the Red Devils playing a part in negotiations for both deals.

However, though he hailed the full back's arrival, Fernandes indicated a preference for securing players on a permanent basis.

"We did a fantastic loaner with Fabio, but it's not really my strategy," The 48-year-old added. "I want to build loyalty, I'm not here to train other people's players."

He contained to explain. "We want to build our own players and that's why we invested in the squad that we've got, which is a good mix of youth and experience."

 

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Ramires hoping for Corinthians clash at Club World Cup

Chelsea midfielder Ramires is relishing the prospect of a clash with Brazilian side Corinthians at the Club World Cup.

Roberto Di Matteo's side, who qualified for the tournament through its Champions League success, could come up against the newly-crowned Copa Libertadores champions at the tournament held in Japan.

And the 25-year-old revealed that there may even be split loyalties amongst his family should the two sides meet in December.

"Many of my friends and relatives support Corinthians, and I hope they don't have doubts about who they will support, or we will have problems," he told Globo Esporte. "No teams have a guaranteed place in the final, but if that happens, it will be a great game."

The former Cruzeiro man also claimed that his experiences in Brazilian football could well give him the inside track on the Sao Paulo outfit.

"I follow Brazilian football and I have played against most Corinthians players," he added. "If Roberto Di Matteo asks my opinion, I can tell him what I think about them. There are some things I can say about their strengths, but I can't tell you. I will keep it as a secret so that I don't help our opponents."

The midfielder went on to reveal that the tournament holds a special place in his heart and described the possibility of victory as "a dream".

"I grew up seeing the effort of Brazilian clubs put into winning this competition and for me this title would be a dream come true," he continued.

"This is part of our football culture. I came close in 2009 but that was not possible. Now I'll do everything I can to win this title for the first time, it will be very important for my 'CV'."

 

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Marin: Pizarro recommended Chelsea to me

New Chelsea signing Marko Marin has revealed that former Blues striker Claudio Pizarro recommended the club to him.

"[Pizarro] only had good things to say," Marin told Chelsea TV. "I asked him how it is here and he still has a house in Cobham."

Pizarro spent two frustrating years at Stamford Bridge, but had great things to say about the Champions League winners. The Peruvian spoke fondly of his time with the Blues to his former Werder Bremen teammate, despite not getting much playing time.

"He didn't play a lot but he said that he had a great time here and he thinks I will enjoy it," Marin said.

The 23-year-old is aiming to win the Premier League with his new club, and hopes to provide plenty of assists for the forwards.

"I think I am an offensive player, more a winger," Marin added. "I hope I can give a lot of assists to strikers so they score a lot of goals and they help the team."

He added, "If you play for such a team as Chelsea you want to win trophies, like last year with the Champions League and the FA Cup."

"The Premier League I think is the best league in the world and to win this, that is my aim."

The German midfielder has been very keen to settle into his new club and get to know his surroundings before preseason began.

He said, "I am now here for three weeks and I think I know everybody [who works here] now."

"I am happy to start team training now and I feel good. It was the first time we trained together with the ball, we did a lot and it was good intensity."

 

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Marin nam Patta!

 

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Lille announces Kalou deal

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has officially signed a four-year deal at Lille, according to the club's official website.

The Ivorian international had been rumored to sign for the former French champion after being released by Chelsea on July 1, with the deal picking up pace after the news that the 26-year-old arrived in the French city on Friday evening for a medical, along with brother and adviser Bonaventure, himself formerly of Auxerre, PSG and Lens in Ligue 1.

A statement on Lille's official website reads:

"LOSC formalizes the arrival of Salomon Kalou who this morning underwent the traditional medical procedure after his arrival at Domaine de Luchin yesterday.

"Released late June, the contract of the 26-year-old European champion is [for] four seasons. The former Chelsea player and is committed until 2016.

"The arrival of a European Champion to LOSC, Salomon Kalou, certainly fits among the highlights of the 2012-2013 transfer window. Ambitious to enter a new stadium, the club and Michel Seydoux [club president] is pleased to have attracted a player of this calibre in their squad."

Kalou underwent a medical early on Saturday prior to agreeing a four-year contract with Ligue 1 side Lille claimed La Voix du Nord.

Kalou spent six years at Stamford Bridge, scoring 60 times in 244 competitive appearances for the club, but found playing chances at a premium last season, turning out only 12 times in the Premier League before being released by the Champions League winners last month.

The Ivorian replaces Eden Hazard, who incidentally quit the French club for Stamford Bridge, and becomes Rudi Garcia's fourth signing at Grande Stade Lille Metropole, joining Marvin Martin, Steeve Elana and Viktor Klonaridis at Les Dogues.

 

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Robson impressed by Kagawa decision to decline number seven shirt

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has hailed Shinji Kagawa's character after the Japan international declined the club's iconic number seven shirt because of his status as a newcomer at Old Trafford.

Kagawa completed a 13 million pound move from Borussia Dortmund last week and said of the shirt number vacated by Michael Owen: "Since I am very new to the club, I have no intention to get a 'big' number."

The 23-year-old instead allowed winger Antonio Valencia to take the famous shirt and inherited the number 26 ahead of his first season.

And Robson, who wore Valencia's new number during a distinguished spell at Old Trafford, believes the move says a lot about Kagawa's personality.

He told the club's official website: "Straight away that makes him seem like a good, honest lad. For him to say that rather than put the No7 shirt on, proves he must be a down-to-earth lad.

"One thing you get with Japanese boys is they’re very hard working and conscientious about the job."

Kagawa was part of a Borussia Dortmund side that sealed a League and Cup double last season playing as a central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system.

And, though there is much debate over where Kagawa will feature for the Red Devils, Robson feels the 23-year-old has the versatility to slot in anywhere.

He added: "I think the boss will be looking at where he does play him out there on tour. He’s got a good option now and can play Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck up top but can also now play Wayne [Rooney] up there if he really wants to and Shinji can play in behind him.

"From what I’ve seen and been told about him, he can play in numerous positions and won’t let you down. He can do a good, hard, workmanlike job for you. Versatility has always been important for the boss. He has a few players who can play in different positions.

"Look at his last few signings – even at the back, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling can play center-half or right-back. Phil can also fill in to midfield as well so the boss likes players who have got that flexibility where they can balance a team."

 

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AC Milan's 'closed' transfer campaign gives it no hope of Serie A success

“An act of heroism” was what Adriano Galliani called it. Silvio Berlusconi stepped in at the 11th hour to prevent AC Milan’s star center back Thiago Silva from being sold to Paris Saint-Germain last month, and the CEO couldn’t have been more grateful. “We made a huge effort to keep Thiago Silva,” Galliani would go on to add. “It counts as a signing.”


Yes, it was a massive coup for Milan to keep a player who is unquestionably among the best in the world right now, but calling it a new signing is as if to paper over the cracks that has been the Rossoneri’s transfer campaign thus far.

Last season, Massimiliano Allegri’s men lost the Scudetto to Juventus on measurements of both quantity and quality. When an injury crisis hit Milan in the final 10 games of the campaign, it was neither deep enough nor good enough to stave off the steamroller from Turin.

And now, halfway through the summer, Milan’s market moves has left it trailing in Juve’s wake once more, with Galliani now claiming that the club's dealings is done for this transfer window.

 

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Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung to undergo QPR medical ahead of 2.5m pounds move

Park Ji-Sung will undergo a medical at QPR on Monday ahead of his proposed move from Manchester United which will see the dethroned Premier League champions receive an initial fee of just 2.5 million pounds for the South Korea international.

Reports on Saturday suggested United would recoup 5m pounds for the 31-year-old, who joined the Old Trafford giants seven years ago, but Goal.com understands the Red Devils will only receive an extra 2.5m pounds should QPR avoid relegation from the Premier League for a second consecutive season.

Park, who earns 70,000 pounds-a-week at United, is in line to become the top earner at Loftus Road in a deal which will represent a significant step in helping the club’s ambitious owner Tony Fernandes turn the west London outfit into a “global” brand.

The former PSV Eindhoven star, who won four Premier League titles during his time in Manchester, must still pass a rigorous medical, however, before completing the move.

Park missed large portions of last season with hamstring and ankle trouble and when he was recalled to the side for the pivotal Manchester derby, having missed the previous seven matches, was way off the pace and was withdrawn with more than 30 minutes remaining of a match that effectively cost his side the title.

Fernandes has invested heavily in the club since he assumed control last August, recruiting the likes of Joey Barton, Bobby Zamora and Djibril Cisse. But Park’s imminent capture represents a significant upgrade on those transfers and will certainly boost the R’s profile in the Far East, where the Malaysian businessman owns the AirAsia airline.

QPR have already called a press conference for Monday where they are also rumored to be
unveiling plans for a new stadium.

Earlier this week Fernandes wrote on Twitter: “Excellent stadium meeting. Wow. Looks great. Going to make big announcement. Hopefully see Amit [Bhatia, vice-chairman] in a few hours to brief him. Wow.”

He later added: “Stadium will be in west London. Will not lose overall atmosphere. Lots to do and many pitfalls but great first step.”

 

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Adrian: Spain wants to win Olympic gold medal

Atletico Madrid forward Adrian Lopez has praised Spain for winning Euro 2012 and insisted that the Under-23 side will hope to emulate the senior team by claiming gold at the 2012 Olympics in London.

The 24-year-old was called up to Luis Milla's squad as one of three overage players permitted and will feature alongside Euro 2012 winners Juan Mata, Jordi Alba and Javi Martinez in the Games later this month.

"We're all looking forward to playing in a tournament like this and we will try to do things right, train our best, and we will try go all the way," Adrian told AS.

"We must take things slowly, game by game. We have good team but anyone can be beaten," he warned

Adrian also spoke of the possibility of seeing new Barcelona signing Jordi Alba turn out in London once the final squad is announced.

"It is a topic that Barcelona will need to talk over with the Spanish Federation, they will have to agree. He is a key player and it would be nice to have him. He is looking forward to play in the Games and wants to be sure he is included.

Spain is in Group D along with Japan, Morocco and Honduras and will get its Olympic campaign underway on July 26th in Glasgow.

 

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Del Bosque backs Alba's inclusion in Spain's Olympic squad

Vicente del Bosque has backed Jordi Alba's inclusion in Spain's Olympics squad, despite the 23-year-old playing at Euro 2012 this summer.

The Barcelona left back featured in all of La Roja’s games in Poland and Ukraine, but has still been named in the nation’s contingent for the London Games. Del Bosque has stated that Alba’s inclusion is justified, and that he is happy with the squad that will compete.

“It will surely be Alba’s last chance to go to the Games. He has been an important player in winning Euro 2012 and it would be good for him to participate with the youngsters in that tournament,” the 61-year-old told reporters. "We are very excited, because we have a good squad. These players will be the future of the senior side and some are in it already. I hope they have a good tournament in London.”

Several key players of Spain's Euro 2012-winning squad have been touted as the next Ballon d’Or winner, and although Del Bosque declined to pinpoint a frontrunner, he is happy that his team are being recognized.

"I have no favorites; with such awards it is very subjective," he reasoned. "The most important thing is the recognition that these players have in this country.

“They are good role models and should be rewarded for that,” he stated.

 

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Valdes: An honor for goalkeepers if Casillas won the Ballon d'Or

Victor Valdes has stated that if Iker Casillas won the Fifa Ballon d'Or it would be an honor for goalkeepers.

The Clasico opposite numbers put club rivalries aside this summer as both were included in the victorious La Roja squad that won Euro 2012. After Casillas skippered his side to glory in Poland and Ukraine, the Real Madrid man is being touted by some as a main contender for the individual accolade, something that Valdes feels would be justified.

“It would be an honor to have a goalkeeper win the Ballon d’Or,” the Barca shot-stopper told Brazilian media. “However there are others who can win it also. [Andres] Iniesta I am very fond of and I am very happy for the recognition and awards that he has received."

Valdes went on to point out that Spain’s style of play was similar to Barcelona, and gave some words of support to new Blaugrana coach Tito Vilanova.

“I think the philosophy of the Barcelona game has become very attractive over the past four years, and now Spain play in a similar way. It is normal because a lot of the Barcelona players play for Spain.

“Under Vilanova there will not be a big change. It is time to be smart and know that after [Pep] Guardiola there is another stage. I'm very confident because we know Tito very well,” he continued.

Finally, the goalkeeper discussed the potential of Brazilian attacker Neymar, who has been linked with a move to both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past.

"Neymar is an unusual talent. He does things that are hard to track. He is a player any team would want,” Valdes concluded.

 

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Lampard rubbishes LA Galaxy transfer rumors

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has dismissed rumors that have tipped him with a move to LA Galaxy.

Lampard was seen sitting with agent Steve Kutner and David Beckham at an LA Galaxy match last week, but the 34-year-old has stated that his visit to Los Angeles was only a holiday.

Despite facing the final year of his 130,000 pounds-a-week contract with Chelsea, Lampard has reaffirmed his allegiances to the club that he joined from West Ham in 2001.

"There's nothing in that [LA Galaxy links] at all," Lampard told the Sun. "I'm here in Los Angeles on holiday with Christine [Bleakley]. We got engaged here last year and we love it over here.

"Steve's [Kutner, his agent] over here a lot on music and football business. He organized a box so we could go to see the Galaxy game. Becks was suspended for the match, so he came and sat with us and we had a good laugh, that’s all."

Lampard is all set to start preseason training with Chelsea next week, despite picking up a thigh strain at the end of May.

"Now I'm really looking forward to getting back to Chelsea. I'm feeling fit and fresh and I'm raring to go. My thigh strain is completely healed now and maybe missing the Euros was a blessing in disguise for me.

"I had a full summer off and I'm ready to go back to start the hard work for the new season. We've more to look forward to with the Super Cup and World Club Championships."

 

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Giggs to lead gold rush

Giggs to lead gold rush

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs will captain the Team GB football side at the 2012 Olympics. The veteran Welshman has been selected as one of three over-age players in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad.

The London Games will offer him a first taste of life at an international tournament at the age of 38.Giggs has enjoyed a glittering career at club level and will be hoping to add an Olympic gong to his enviable medal collection.

He has been chosen to lead the gold rush, with it hoped that his vast experience will aid Britain's quest to land top honours on home soil.
Winner

"Stuart Pearce has today (Sunday) confirmed that Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs will be captain of the Team GB Men's football squad at London 2012," read a statement released on the Football Association's official website.

"Giggs, a winner of 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League competitions, will be competing at his first international tournament.

"Giggs is one of the three 'over age' players permitted under the Olympic football tournament rules, alongside fellow Welshman Craig Bellamy and Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards."Team GB will play their first match in half a century when they take on Brazil at the Riverside Stadium on Friday 20 July."

 

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Spurs strike Vertonghen deal

Spurs strike Vertonghen deal

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of highly-rated centre-half Jan Vertonghen. Spurs have been chasing the Belgium international for some time, attempting to fend off rival interest in his services from north London neighbours Arsenal in the process.

Vertonghen made it clear from the outset that White Hart Lane was his preferred destination, as he prepared to embark on a Premier League adventure.

It has taken a while for an agreement to be put in place, with negotiations having dragged on between the relevant parties.A deal has been reached, though, and Vertonghen will become a Spurs player once he passes a medical.
Impressive

Tottenham, who will be under the guidance of new boss Andre Villas-Boas in 2012/13, are thrilled to have secured the services of a player who figured prominently on their summer transfer radar.

"We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Jan Vertonghen, subject to a medical," read a statement released on the club's official website.
"The 2011/12 campaign was the Belgium international's most successful season to date - being named Ajax captain at the start and going on to lead the Dutch side to their second straight league title.

"The centre back's impressive performances did not go unnoticed as he was named Eredivisie Player of the Year as well as Ajax's Player of the Year in a season that saw him score 10 times in 37 appearances."In total, Jan made 220 appearances and scored 28 goals for Ajax since making his debut for them in 2006."

 

[motta kolla]

Spurs strike Vertonghen deal

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of highly-rated centre-half Jan Vertonghen. Spurs have been chasing the Belgium international for some time, attempting to fend off rival interest in his services from north London neighbours Arsenal in the process.

Vertonghen made it clear from the outset that White Hart Lane was his preferred destination, as he prepared to embark on a Premier League adventure.

It has taken a while for an agreement to be put in place, with negotiations having dragged on between the relevant parties.A deal has been reached, though, and Vertonghen will become a Spurs player once he passes a medical.
Impressive

Tottenham, who will be under the guidance of new boss Andre Villas-Boas in 2012/13, are thrilled to have secured the services of a player who figured prominently on their summer transfer radar.

"We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Jan Vertonghen, subject to a medical," read a statement released on the club's official website.
"The 2011/12 campaign was the Belgium international's most successful season to date - being named Ajax captain at the start and going on to lead the Dutch side to their second straight league title.

"The centre back's impressive performances did not go unnoticed as he was named Eredivisie Player of the Year as well as Ajax's Player of the Year in a season that saw him score 10 times in 37 appearances."In total, Jan made 220 appearances and scored 28 goals for Ajax since making his debut for them in 2006."

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