Defoe signs new contract at Spurs

Tottenham v Aston Villa

Jermain Defoe has signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Tottenham.

Spurs announced the 22-year-old had agreed a fresh long-term contract as reports linked him with a summer move to London rivals Chelsea.

Defoe has been a massive success at White Hart Lane since signing from West Ham for £7m in January 2004, forcing his way into the England squad.

The striker, who has 22 goals so far this season, said: "It is a very special day for me."

Defoe said he felt there was a good feeling around White Hart Lane.

"This season has been special as well. I think we've got a strong squad, pushed on and done really well. Everything about the club is great at the moment," he said.

"It's a lovely feeling when people come up to you in the street and say 'there's a massive difference, I love watching Tottenham play now'.

"It's great to be involved in something like that. If we get into Europe it will be a fantastic season for us."

Spurs boss Martin Jol said ge was delighted Defoe had signed the new deal.

"He's played a big part in our season because he's scored goals. I think he can improve on things."

Brilliant news - this should give him and the team a massive boost From Tom Have your say on 606

West Ham controversially lured Defoe away from Charlton's youth team in July 1999, with the Upton Park club paying £1.4m in compensation to the Addicks.

Defoe first hit the headlines when he joined Bournemouth on loan in October 2000, and scored 12 in 10 consecutive league games for the Cherries to equal a post-war goalscoring record.

In all, he hit 19 goals in 31 games for the south coast club.

He returned to West Ham in May 2001 and made his Premiership debut in the same month, before eventually leaving the east Londoners after half a season in the Championship with them.