Tottenham sign Schalke's Lewis Holtby earlier than planned

Tottenham Hotspur have brokered a deal to sign Germany U-21 captain Lewis Holtby immediately in the January transfer window instead of the free transfer deal in the summer that they had earlier agreed with Schalke.

Holtby, aged 22, has scored 4 goals in the 27 appearances he has made for Schalke in the Bundesliga this season.

He was supposed to move on a free transfer  in the summer, but it seems Andre-Vilas Boas was desperate for a more immediate impact signing and will pay around £1.5m now.

Tottenham are on the 4th spot in the English Premier League table with Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool hot on their heels for the coveted Champions League spot.