Tottenham have sealed the signing of Steed Malbranque for an undisclosed fee thought to be £2m, from Fulham, with Spurs winger Wayne Routledge moving to Craven Cottage on loan for the season.
The French midfielder had been frozen out of the first team picture at Fulham by boss Chris Coleman after refusing to sign a new contract at the club, and he was not given a squad number for the season.
The likes of Bolton, West Ham and Portsmouth were all keen on the Frenchman but Spurs boss Martin Jol has won the race for his signature.
“Steed is a skilful, versatile midfielder of real quality,” Jol told the club’s website.
“He is a player we have always admired and we are delighted he has come to us, there were a number of other clubs interested. He is a player who can cover the left, centre and right midfield positions and will work well within our system.”
Malbranque is currently out of action as a troublesome groin problem will keep him out for up to ten weeks, but he is looking forward to eventually playing at White Hart Lane.
“Tottenham is a big club and it’s a fantastic new challenge for me. It’s an excellent squad and I’m looking forward to joining,” said the former Lyon man.
“I will be working hard on my recovery and rehabilitation in order to be ready to play as soon as possible.”
