Kaboul claims Spurs move close

[Olzy]

Auxerre centre-back Younes Kaboul has claimed he is on the verge of joining Tottenham for a fee believed to be in the region of £8.2million

The highly-rated 21-year-old could seal the move to White Hart Lane for 12million euros, after claiming he is ready for a new challenge.

"I want a change, I have come to an age where I want to progress and see something else," he said on French sports radio station RMC-Infos on Tuesday.

"The English championship really interests me. I want to play in this league.

"Tottenham are a very good club, who want to do something."

Kaboul, the captain of the France Under-21 team, added: "Nothing has been done yet but we are talking about a contract for four or five years."

Kaboul, who has been tipped to go on and play for his national team at senior level, has been linked with Spurs for a while and also reportedly attracted the attention of fellow Premiership club Portsmouth.

Auxerre's failure to land European football for next season could also be a factor in his decision to quit the club.

Kaboul claims the switch could be sealed following the conclusion of the Ligue 1 season this Saturday.



teamtalk.com

[kennethlindheim]

Never heard of him.

[Morrison]

£8.2m for Kaboul!!!!!?

Too much ffs!

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Is he a class centre?£8.2m???

[bandini]

Originally Posted by Mighty T.A.L.

Is he a class centre?£8.2m???

transfer market is getting out of hand. He better be damn good.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Tottenham are expected to wrap up the signing of Auxerre defender Younes Kaboul today.

The French Under-21 international is understood to have undergone a medical at White Hart Lane since he played in Auxerre's final game of the season on Saturday, says The Daily Mail.

An announcement from Spurs about an £8.2 million agreement could be made within hours.

He better be good yes, to that price.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Spurs close to Kaboul capture

Auxerre have revealed that star defender Younes Kaboul is closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The France Under 21 captain has been a long-term transfer target for Martin Jol and sporting director Damien Comolli, and weeks of negotiations now appear to be bearing fruit.

Auxerre vice-chairman Gerard Bourgoin has admitted that the highly-rated youngster is close to signing a contract with the Premier League side, in a deal worth a reported £8.2million.

"The negotiations are very advanced," Bourgoin told AFP. "The discussions are very serious with Tottenham but there are still a number of details to finalise.

"But we can remain optimistic about the end of the negotiations."

Spurs already boast young international defenders in Ledley King and Michael Dawson, and the imminent acquisition of Kaboul will further underline their determination to build a squad capable of challenging for a top-four spot.

Joining Kaboul out of the Auxerre exit door will be Lionel Mathis, as the young midfielder is reportedly close to completing a move to Coupe de France winners Sochaux.

Mathis has played for Auxerre for his whole career but will now look to earn a regular starting place with Sochaux after suffering with fitness problems over the past 12 months.

Sochaux chairman Jean-Claude Plessis told RMC: "A good player, a French midfielder who plays in Ligue 1 will join us on Tuesday."

Source: Skysports

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Spurs capture Kaboul

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of French Under 21 international Younes Kaboul from Auxerre.

The North London club have not released any details regarding the fee, but previous reports suggest they have paid out £8.2million to capture one of France's brightest prospects.

Kaboul made 51 appearances during his time at Auxerre but has now followed Gareth Bale and Darren Bent in joining Martin Jol's ambitious side over the summer.

Jol told the club's official website: "If you ask people in France who is seen as the hottest prospect in defence they will say Younes Kaboul.

"We are very happy to have him on board. It's important to have quality players in defence and with Younes, we have that."

Kaboul will compete with Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Ricardo Rocha for a starting role at White Hart Lane next season, and sporting director Damien Comolli believes the young Frenchman has the quality to make a real impact on the Premier League.

"Younes possesses power, great pace and is good on the ball and strong in the air," said Comolli.

"He is a good leader who showed a great desire to come to us despite interest and offers from numerous other clubs.

"From day one he said 'I want to play for Spurs' and his personality made a big impression on Martin and myself. He has been a regular in the Auxerre first team for the past two seasons and is an excellent signing."

Kaboul's former team-mate at Auxerre, Bakari Sagna, has also been strongly linked with a move to North London with Arsenal over the summer.

Source: Skysports

[bandini]

I don't know him but research shows that he is a very solid prospect and he should only get better with age and experience. Inter and Roma were interested in him as well it seems so that's a good sign. We have now bought two good defenders so hopefully we will let in a lot less goals at the back.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

I think you have done a great signing.

[skeeta]

Kaboul has been impressive for Auxerre, but he is young and quite inexperieced (I think he only has about 50 first team games). A plus in his favour is that he is rather strong physically for a French defender. I think he will be a good addition, and while the fee is high, it is far from the silliest one paid this week.

It would help Kaboul in many ways if Chimbonda stayed.

[bandini]

Thanks for the input. I'm excited to see what he can do. Do you know what his favorite slot is in the back 4? I am guessing they will play Chimbonda on the right, Bale on the left and then if Kaboul gets into the first team it could be him and King in the middle assuming King is fit.