Pleat: Defoe can turn games
Pleat, director of football and caretaker manager at White Hart Lane, was buoyant after snaring the England Under-21 hot-shot and wished Bobby Zamora well on his move in the opposite direction.
"We have a mixture, different types of strikers," stated Pleat. "We've got five internationals and only four strikers. Fredi's (Kanoute) from two countries so we're unique!
"All of them have different qualities but Jermain's goals record for a 21-year-old is exceptional. We hope he will have a fine and flourishing career at Tottenham.
"He's a London boy, a British boy, and is in keeping with our policy in developing a young team with prospects to really improve and get into Europe.
"I can't think of a British striker of his age who has done so much in a short period of time at such a high level.
"It was well documented that Manchester United were a very interested party last summer but this is building our asset base of good players. We have four very good strikers. We had great hopes for Bobby but he couldn't get the opportunities.
"I'm sure he will do well at West Ham. Alan (Pardew) has signed a top class kind of guy but, in football, if any time you get a chance, you have to take the opportunity if it's there."
Pleat believes Defoe will add a cutting edge and a touch of finishing finesse to the Spurs side.
"Some games are very tight," he explained. "And one goal gives you a base to hold onto.
"For example, at Fulham, we forced 15 corners, the most of any team in The Premiership on Saturday. But we couldn't force a goal from open play with that pressure.
"The stealth, the speed, the ability to take a half chance out of nothing. That's the qualities this player has. That's the quality we require to turn tight games to our advantage.
"He'll play as soon as possible. He's not cup-tied but you have to be registered seven days previous to play in the FA Cup so he can't play against Man City but, if we're fortunate to beat them, he would be available to play at Manchester United.
"The money will be paid over a period of time, a slightly less guaranteed figure than has been reported, but it's a fair deal for Tottenham and fair for West Ham."
