Giovani nears Spurs switch

Tottenham close on Barca starlet

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 1st June 2008

giovani dos santos barcelona

Giovani: Spurs target

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Giovani Dos Santos is on the verge of completing a move from Barcelona to Tottenham Hotspur after a basic agreement was reached between all three parties.

The 19-year-old Mexico international could join the Premier League side as early as Monday according to Sport after Barca accepted an 8million euros (£6.2million) bid.

That fee may rise to 11million euros (£8.6million) depending on both Dos Santos and Tottenham meeting specified targets during his four-year stay at White Hart Lane.

Deal close

Dos Santos's father, Zizinho, admitted that his son is proud and excited by the thought of moving to such a prestigious club as he told Mexican daily paper, Record, that a deal was in the offing.

"Nothing has been finalised," he said. "But it is an honour that a club as important as Tottenham want to sign Giovani, but nothing can be said officially yet.

"The ambitious project that Tottenham have has excited Giovani and he just wants to go there and help the team in any way he can.

"It is obvious that leaving Barcelona is a risky decision, but with his qualities it appears that it could be the best option for him."

Spurs boss Juande Ramos was keen to land the starlet because he strongly believes that his pace, ability to break into the area and shooting ability make him perfect for the English game.

Although a deal has not been finalised, Dos Santos' agent, Pini Zahavi, and Barca's sporting vice-president, Marc Ingla, believe that there will be few problems in reaching an agreement.

Throughout the negotiations, Dos Santos - who is also wanted by Manchester City - has been undergoing treatment to recover from a an operation that he had on his ankle in the middle of May and is set to keep him out of action for another four weeks.