Hutton set to seal move

Tottenham set to land full-back

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 29th January 2008

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Hutton set to move

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Rangers defender Alan Hutton is again in London to hold further talks with Tottenham as he looks set to seal his move to the English capital.

Hutton was in England at the weekend before he returned to Glasgow to mull over his options.

Now the Scottish international is seemingly on the brink of clinching his £9million move to White Hart Lane.

"He's currently in London and I think the clubs and Alan Hutton have all reached agreement," confirmed Gers boss Walter Smith.

"It would look as though after the remaining formalities that he will join Spurs."

Delay

Smith admits he does not know why Hutton has taken so long to decide whether to join Tottenham or not.

"The clubs agreed a fee a number of weeks ago so that agreement was in place and it was just down to Alan. You'd have to ask him for his reasoning," he said.

"I know he was enjoying his football here and was not in too much of a rush to go anywhere, but as the weeks went on he has decided it is the right time for him to leave. We wish him well.

"There is disappointment throughout the club to lose him but it was an offer we couldn't turn down."

Following the capture of Jonathan Woodgate on Monday, Spurs are working hard to complete the capture of both Hutton and Brazilian Gilberto.

Gilberto is also in London having a medical ahead of his move from Hertha Berlin.

Hutton, who has previously rejected Spurs earlier this month, is now set to put pen-to-paper and Rangers are keen for the deal to go through swiftly so they can then spend some of the profits.

Smith wants to sign a goalkeeper and a striker, whilst he could also now need defensive reinforcements following Hutton's departure.

Steven Whittaker is set to take Hutton's place at right-back - but the former Hibernian star has been playing at left-back, so Smith will be left short.