Spurs agree Huddlestone deal

Tottenham have agreed a deal to buy Tom Huddlestone from Derby.

Tottenham have been linked with the teenage defender for some time and have moved to steal a march on their rivals by agreeing a deal for his signature in the summer.

Spurs have agreed a fee rising to £2.5 million for the versatile performer.

Huddlestone is rated as one of the best young players in England and has been instrumental in Derby's fine recent form.

Derby chief executive Jeremy Keith admitted the deal was too good to turn down.

"We have always insisted the club is under no financial pressure from any quarter to sell players but when Tottenham approached us we recognised that this move is a great opportunity for Tom and represents a sensible opportunity for the club," Keith told the club's official website.

"If a club is doing well it will always attract interest in its players but it is important that we can prevent the move from disadvantaging Derby County in our quest for success and our desire to continually strengthen the squad.

"It is for this reason that we have reached an agreement to ensure Tom remains with us until the end of the season.

"It's important to emphasise that Tom, who is still only 18, is still a Derby County player who remains committed to the club that has helped to develop his career to date.