Tottenham agree deal for Taarabt

Taarabt in action against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign teenager Adel Taarabt from French club Lens on a permanent basis.

The midfielder, 17 arrived on loan in January and played six times for the reserve team and made his first-team debut as a substitute against West Ham.

"I did not expect Adel to break into the first-team group so early," sporting director Damien Comolli told the club's website.

But he added: "We also know that his talent is unbelievable."

Taarabt has represented France at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level.

In addition to his first-team appearance during Tottenham's 4-3 win over West Ham on 4 March he also appeared as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on 7 April.

And Comolli added: "We told him the first six months were for him to settle down and then we would take it from there.

"After just a short time he came on against West Ham and changed the game before getting another chance at Chelsea.

"Physically he has become a lot stronger and fitter since joining and he needs to remain on that path.

"We are very happy he will be committing his future to us in making this move permanent."