Defendi to become new Spurs defender

Tottenham have agreed a £600,000 (€892,000) fee with Brazilian side Cruzeiro for defender Rodrigo Defendi.

The teenager is the first prospective signing under new coach Jacques Santini, who takes over at White Hart Lane following his stint as coach of France.

A statement on the Spurs website, www.spurs.co.uk, read: “We are delighted to announce that we have agreed terms with Brazilian side Cruzeiro for the £600,000 transfer of highly-rated defender Rodrigo Defendi.

“The 18-year-old, who was born in Ribeirao Preto in Brazil, becomes our first signing under our new coaching set-up, which is already reaping rewards as the player was highly sought after by clubs both at home and abroad.

“Defendi will join in a four-year deal once formalities are completed next week, after which he should be available to link up with the rest of the squad for the early part of pre-season.”