Tottenham clinch Zokora transfer

Tottenham have clinched the signing of Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora in a deal almost certain to spark fresh speculation over the future of Michael Carrick.

Zokora, who impressed at the heart of the Ivory Coast side during the group stages of the World Cup in Germany, is understood to have cost Spurs around £8.2million from French club St Etienne.

But his arrival will put the spotlight back on Carrick's future with Manchester United reportedly ready to test Tottenham's resolve to keep the England international with an increased offer.

United's initial £10million bid was rejected by Spurs but they are expected to return to the table with another bid of around £14million.

Spurs coach Martin Jol, who wants Carrick to stay, was delighted with the
capture of 25-year-old Zokora.

Jol said: "Didier was regarded by a lot of people as one of the best midfield players going into the World Cup and he proved that in the group stage. A lot of clubs were after him and we had to compete for his services and he is a very good signing."

Zokora, who will begin training with the rest of the squad on July 21st, is a graduate of the ASEC Abidjan academy responsible for the development of many of the current Ivory Coast internationals.

He joined RC Genk of Belgium in 2000 and was a member of their title winning team two years later.

Zokora spent four years in Belgium before joining St Etienne where he went on to make 66 appearances and quickly became recognised as one of the leading midfield talents in the country.

He is well known to Tottenham's sporting director Damien Comolli, who also signed him from Genk while he was at St Etienne.

Zokora, who was also pursued by Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, was excited by the prospect of playing for a side that is building for the future.

"I am very proud to come here and I think it is a great club," said Zokora. "I am extremely happy because I think there are a lot of really good players here and I am glad to be joining them.

"The core of the team is very young and we can build for the long term. This is something which really attracted me to the club."