Spurs to sign African star

Tottenham are set to sign Cameroon international Thimothee Atouba from FC Basle.

The deal for the 22-year-old utility player has been agreed and the formalities will be completed early next week, according to the club’s official website.

He has been capped 12 times and played in European competition for the Swiss side.

Tottenham sporting director Frank Arnesen said: “Thimothee is a strong, versatile left-footed player. He is able to play left midfield or left full-back.

“He comes to us from Basle where he gained experience of playing in the Champions League against teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool.

“He plays for the national team of Cameroon and was nominated for the African Nations representative team last season.

“We are delighted he will be in our squad for the new season,” he told the official club website www.spurs.co.uk

Atouba started 10 of the 12 group games in Basle’s Champions League campaign of 2002-03 and scored against Liverpool as his side progressed to the second group stage.

Last season he played in the UEFA Cup when Basle were knocked out by Newcastle.