Tottenham sign Slovenian star

Tottenham plan to announce the signing of Red Star Belgrade’s Slovenian international Milenko Acimovic in the next 24 hours.

But the 25-year-old midfielder stole his new club’s thunder by revealing to uefa.com he has already agreed a four-year deal at White Hart Lane.

Acimovic, who will be on duty with his country in the World Cup this summer, said he and Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle had been in regular contact this year to thrash out his move.

He said: ‘‘I’ve spoken with Glenn Hoddle several times in the past few months - and we both knew we would establish a fine relationship because we think the same way.

‘‘I’m very proud to sign for a club like Tottenham, with such reputation and tradition.’’

A Spurs spokesman confirmed Acimovic will join Hoddle’s squad after the World Cup.

‘‘He’s expected to be off with his national team and here for pre-season,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ll announce his signing imminently, possibly this afternoon or tomorrow.’’

Hoddle had kept tabs on Acimovic and earmarked him as the man to form a dynamic midfield partnership with Jamie Redknapp, who has already joined from Liverpool for next season.

Former Olimpia Ljubljana player Acimovic is reported to have been in London over the last few days to finalise his move to Spurs, which is believed be a free transfer.

His four-and-half-year stay at Red Star ended on a sour note, with a red card in the 1-1 draw with Hajduk Kula which halted his side’s championship challenge.

Acimovic apologised for his dismissal and focused on the silverware he won with the club.

‘‘I spent the most beautiful years of my life with Red Star,’’ he added.

‘‘I made my name there and won all the domestic titles, so I’m sorry my career there ended with the red card.’’