According to French sources, Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signature of Auxerre defender Younes Kaboul. The 6ft 4in stopper is expected to sign a four-year deal with the north London club in the next week or so. This would mean that Kaboul will join current defenders Michael Dawson and Ledley King in the race to capture a spot in the prestigious Champions League next season.

Kaboul has contributed well to the success of Auxerre this season. A bold figure in defence, he has also had his name on the scoresheet this season. Both Lyon and Fiorentina were among the other clubs after his signature.

Another hot prospect for Martin Jol is Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who looks set to leave Ajax Amsterdam after a successful career in Holland.  Playmaker Sneijder has been linked with Tottenham in recent weeks and it looks as though Jol will place a bid which, if successful, would land the Dutchman a place in the starting line-up for sure next season.

Born in Utrecht, Sneijder has found his way into regular first-team football in Amsterdam after rising up through the youth ranks. Standing a mere 5ft 7in, he is firm on the ball with great control and is two-footed. He looks like a more realistic suitor to the attacking midfield place behind the front two. With pace on the wing from Aaron Lennon and Sneijder in midfield, Spurs would have more bite and pace to feed Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane (if he stays).

I don't believe that it will take a substantial amount of money to lure Sneijder away from Ajax, but Spurs will face stiff competition from both Newcastle United and Valencia if they are to steal his signature. With a strengthened defence next season, Jol must look also to the strengthening of the midfield with left wing and centre midfield a priority to secure success.

Sneijder reminds me of a less physical Kaka as he has an amazing range on long passes to the attack force and runs at goal when given the chance.


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