Pleat hails Defoe signing

Spurs sign Defoe Premiership ins and outs

Tottenham's acting manager David Pleat believes the club have captured one of Britain's brightest young stars in the shape of £7m striker Jermain Defoe.

Spurs captured Defoe with minutes of Monday's transfer deadline remaining - with Bobby Zamora moving to Upton Park.

Pleat said: "I can't think of a British striker at his age who has achieved as much in such a short space of time.

"His goal record for a 21-year-old is quite exceptional. I hope he will have a fine career at Tottenham."

Pleat added: "This keeps our policy of wanting to develop a young team with prospects to really improve and get into Europe."

Spurs have paid an initial £6m for Defoe, which will rise to £7m based on "specific performance criteria".

Defoe is quality and even for 8.5 million is money well spent From Seun Abayomi Have your say on 606

They will be gaining a player who has scored 15 goals this season but also picked up three red cards.

Zamora, who failed to settle at Spurs following his £1.5m summer move, has struggled to make the grade in the Premiership, having failed to score a top-flight goal this season in 16 appearances.

The 23-year-old's only goal came in the Carling Cup as he struggled to recapture his form with Brighton which saw him score 70 in 119 league games.