Spurs seal record Bent deal

Tottenham have completed the signing of Darren Bent from Charlton.

Tottenham have completed the signing of Darren Bent from Charlton in a new club record £16.5 million deal.

The England international has agreed a deal "up to six years" at White Hart Lane after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Bent has been expected to leave Charlton ever since their relegation from the Premier League last season.

The former Ipswich man came close to joining West Ham earlier this month before he turned down the move at the eleventh hour.

Tottenham made their move for Bent and they have lured him to North London as Martin Jol continues his policy of snapping up the best young English talent.

Bent was delighted to seal the move and he is excited at the challenge of playing for Spurs.

"Tottenham have a lot of young English players and it's a young squad, it's a squad going forward and that's the direction I wanted to take," Bent told the club's official website.

"They seem to be getting better and better every season and I would love to be part of that.

"It helps a lot that I know a few of the lads from England internationals and I'm sure they will help me settle in.

"It's exciting times for me and the club, hopefully I'll show what I can do at Tottenham and we'll go on to win things."

Jol was happy to land Bent and believes he will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.

"Darren's strength is his stamina. Normally players will make runs three or four times in 45 minutes, he will do it all the time and if you manage to play balls behind the defence, he will be there. That's what I like about him," said Jol.

‚Ç£He has pace, he links play well and can see a pass - he can exploit the space and play as well.

‚Ç£He knows Spurs is the place to be and that's something to be proud of.‚Ç¥