Spurs snap up Blades duo

Tottenham made a double swoop for highly-rated Sheffield United defenders Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker on Wednesday.

England Under-21 international Naughton and England Under-19 prodigy Walker moved to White Hart Lane from the Championship side for a joint undisclosed fee.

“We are delighted to announce the signings of Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker from Sheffield United,” a statement on Tottenham’s website confirmed.

Naughton had also been the subject of a bid from Everton but Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp won the race to sign the Sheffield-born defender.

The 20-year-old has earned rave reviews since making his Blades debut in August 2008.

He made 50 appearances in all competitions last season, helping United reach the Championship play-off final and winning a place in the PFA’s Championship Team of the Year.

Fellow full-back Walker, 19, made just seven appearances for the Blades but started all three of their play-off matches last season. He will return to United on loan this season as part of the deal.

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell, who will also be able to take Tottenham players on loan, said: “Having Walker available is a very important part of our strategy and it’s exciting to have the chance to talk with Tottenham and judge whether any other of their players might fit into our squad.

“If we think that someone could help us we could take them on a short-term loan throughout August and, if required, extend it to a season-long arrangement after that.”