Tottenham completed their audacious £8-million combined bid for Nottingham Forest’s highly rated duo Andy Reid and Michael Dawson in the closing stages of Monday’s transfer-deadline day after the pair both passed medicals and agreed personal terms.
Republic of Ireland midfielder Reid and England Under-21 centre half Dawson both travelled to north London on Monday to put the finishing touches to their joint move from the City Ground to White Hart Lane.
Reid (22) told Spurs.co.uk: ”I am just delighted to get it done. It has been talked about for a long time and now I am thrilled that it has all gone through. I am looking forward to playing Premiership football.
”I had no hesitation over signing, Tottenham is such a big club and I like the way the chairman [Daniel Levy], Frank [Arnesen] and Martin [Jol] have transformed things.
”They are bringing lots of young players through and I just want to be part of that. It is important on the international front as well. If you are playing Premiership football, it gives you more of a chance to play every game on the international scene.
”My main priority at the moment is to try and win a place in the Spurs team. I have watched the team and have been very impressed; it is a young team developing and I feel they are getting better all the time.
”I am excited and looking forward to coming in and meeting all the lads for training. I haven’t spoken to [Republic teammate] Robbie [Keane] yet, but I will do. I’m good mates with him and Stephen Kelly as well.”
Dawson (21) added: ”When the chance to come to a place like this came along, I made up my mind straight away.
”It has always been my dream to play in the Premiership. There has been a lot of speculation over the last few years and finally my chance has come. I can’t wait to pull the shirt on and hopefully do well.
”There is big competition for places here and that is good, I think. It will bring a lot out of me, coming to a massive club like this and learning from good players. I just can’t wait.”
Spurs are currently eighth in the Premier League but their bold move speaks of a determination to keep adding to a largely youthful squad.
Earlier, Tottenham sporting director Arnesen said: ”Andy Reid is a well-known Irish international. He’s a very good player and the type of player we don’t have in the squad.
”He can play as a left winger, down the right side or just behind the striker so his arrival complements the squad.”
He added: ”Michael Dawson is a great prospect, has captained [the] England Under-21s and outside his obvious playing talents, has a leadership quality in his personality.”
Forest chief executive Mark Arthur told the Championship strugglers’ official website: ”We have reached an agreement with Tottenham with regard to the sales of Andy Reid and Michael Dawson.
”Both players are understandably ambitious young men and are keen to play in the Premiership as soon as possible.
”This represents a great opportunity for both of them and as a club, we felt we could not stand in their way.” — Sapa-AFP