Spurs close in on Diarra

Tottenham have agreed terms in principle on a deal worth 11.5 million euros to sign midfielder Lassana Diarra from Real Madrid.

The London club made the breakthrough in negotiations on Thursday but the France international will not make his debut against Manchester United on Monday because the deadline to register players for this weekend’s matches has now passed.

Real Madrid have indicated that they will accept a bid in the region of 11.5 million euros and have given Spurs permission to talk to Diarra, who is close to agreeing personal terms.

Diarra, 26, has been offered a salary package worth 115,000 euros a week once bonuses and signing-on fees are taken into account.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has made it clear that he would like to leave the La Liga giants and is keen on a move to White Hart Lane.

Spurs have tried to sign him in the previous two transfer windows, with manager Harry Redknapp desperate to re-unite with the player he signed for Portsmouth in January 2008.

Tottenham are adamant Diarra is not being pursued as a replacement for wantaway midfielder Luka Modric.