Spurs clinch Tainio deal

Auxerre's Finnish international Teemu Tainio will join Tottenham in the summer after he signed a pre-contract agreement with the north London club.

The 25-year-old midfielder will be out of contract at Auxerre in July and will therefore join Spurs on a free transfer.

Tainio has won seven caps and scored two goals for Finland and his signing follows Spurs' double capture of strikers Mido and Mounir El Hamdaoui.

Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen said: "We are delighted that we have been able to secure Teemu now and do not have to wait until the summer to make the signing.

"We know many other top clubs were keen on him. He is a versatile midfielder who can play anywhere across the middle."

Tainio told the club's official website www.spurs.co.uk: "I am thrilled at the prospect of playing for Tottenham and in the Premiership.

"It is one of the best leagues in the world. I look forward to joining everyone in July."