Deals continue at White Hart lane

Tottenham have made another move into the transfer market by signing Benoit Assou-Ekotto from Lens.

Left-back Assou-Ekotto will join the club pending a medical examination and his arrival will increase speculation over the future of former Nottingham Forest winger Andy Reid.

The signing of the 22-year-old continues Spurs’ policy of recruiting top European talent and the club’s sporting director Damien Comolli said: “Benoit is a young, extremely talented left back.

“He’s versatile and can play in three positions – left back, on the left side of central midfield and left midfield.

“He will give Martin lots of flexibility on that flank. He’s regarded as one of the best prospects in French football and is an excellent signing for the club.

“The player is ambitious and has always wanted to play in English football.

“He was consistent in his commitment to us in the negotiations we had with Lens despite a lot of interest from other clubs and Lens being reluctant to let him go.”

Meanwhile Tottenham full-back Stephen Kelly is to hold talks with Birmingham over the weekend about a move to St Andrews.

Kelly, who only recently signed a further one-year contract at White Hart Lane, has long been linked with a move to the relegated outfit.

The two clubs have agreed a fee and Kelly will discuss personal terms with City before making his decision on Monday.

Meanwhile, injured centre-half Ledley King has begun running again as he bids to recover fully from the metatarsal injury that wrecked his World Cup dream.

King was left at home by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson after he collected the injury against Everton in April and the decision has helped King to make real progress.

King said: “It has been great to come in and actually get a run under my belt.

“It seems to be pretty good and I will come in for a few more days, then have a little break before getting ready for the start of it all.

“I took the pressure off myself in that I didn’t have to rush to get my fitness back.

“After the England squad was announced I decided to have a rest and get myself right for the beginning of the season. That is my main focus.”

King adds that the disappointment of missing out on a place in the finals in Germany will act as a spur for him next season.

He added: “You have ups and downs in football and I am taking the disappointment into next season with me and I will be better for that.”