Transfer window opens slowly

Tottenham today agreed a loan deal with French club Lens to bring in midfielder Adel Taarabt, with Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli describing the 17-year-old as “one of the best talents in Europe for his age”.

Taarabt, who has represented France at junior levels, will move to White Hart Lane after his registration is sent from the French Football Federation.

Comolli told his club’s official website spurs.co.uk: “He will be a healthy addition to the squad and is a continuation of our policy of attracting the best young talent as we constantly seek to improve the quality of the team both now and for the future.”

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is prepared to make Tal Ben Haim “an offer he cannot refuse” to keep the Israeli international at the Reebok Stadium.

Ben Haim’s displays at centre-back as well as right and left-back have attracted many suitors.

With the transfer window now open, he is free to open negotiations with interested parties as his contract expires in the summer.

Gartside is still hopeful a deal can be done to extend Ben Haim’s stay at the club.

“We have been talking to Tal for quite a while,” said Gartside.

“We will make him an offer he cannot refuse.”

Leeds are set to sign defenders Matt Heath and Robbie Elliott on short-term contracts until the end of the season.

Heath, 25, joined Leeds on loan from Coventry in November but sat out yesterday’s match between the clubs at Elland Road under the terms of the deal.

Elliott, 33, made his debut as a loan player in the 2-1 victory over the Sky Blues, but will now sign a permanent deal confirming his transfer from Sunderland.

Leeds have terminated the loan deal of striker Geoff Horsfield.

The 33-year-old was supposed to be with the Elland Road club until the end of the month, but manager Dennis Wise has allowed him to return to Sheffield United ahead of schedule.

He made 15 appearances for Leeds, scoring twice, but is not a part of Wise’s plans.

Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner and Middlesbrough defender Ugo Ehiogu have also returned to their parent clubs after their deals expired, while former Leeds skipper Paul Butler has been released.

The 34-year-old had been on loan at MK Dons until New Year’s Day, but an agreement has now been reached to terminate his deal at Elland Road, leaving him free to join another club on a permanent basis.

Butler made a total of 106 appearances for the club, having been one of former manager Kevin Blackwell’s first signings in the summer of 2004.

Former West Ham goalkeeper David Forde has signed for Cardiff from eircom League club Derry City.

The Galway-born 26-year-old completed a successful medical and agreed personal terms with the Bluebirds in December but was forced to wait until the opening of the transfer window for the move to take effect.