Spurs unveil Bentley

Tottenham on Thursday unveiled new signing David Bentley, who has cost an initial 15 million pounds (22 million euros) from Blackburn.

Spurs announced the move late Wednesday and confirmed the news in a statement to the London Stock Exchange after he passed a medical.

A statement from Tottenham plc read: “Tottenham Hotspur plc is pleased to announce that agreement has been reached with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of the registration of the England international midfielder, David Bentley, age 23 years, to Tottenham Hotspur FC for a total consideration of 15 million pounds and up to an additional two million payable upon future performances.

“The player's contract is for a period of up to six years.”

Bentley, who started his career across north London at Arsenal, is in line for a debut at the Feyenoord Jubileum Tournament in Rotterdam this weekend.

Arsenal will receive a percentage of the deal as per the terms of his transfer to Blackburn in 2006.

“Making the move here was an easy decision to make to be honest. I've been trying my hardest to come here and be part of this. All my friends are season ticket holders. All I want to do is just get out there,” Bentley told Sky Sports News.

“I'm excited by it. There are a lot of good players here, you look at (Luka) Modric, Giovani dos Santos and I'm looking forward to fitting in the side somewhere,” he added.

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is also still reported to be chasing mercurial Russian Andrei Arshavin, one of the stars of Euro 2008, having offloaded Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane to Liverpool.

Ramos was thrilled at the capture of Bentley, telling reporters: “I'm sure he will bring the best ability to our team and we can help him maximise his potential.”

Bentley repaid the compliment, saying he was looking forward to repaying the Spaniard's faith in him.

“Working under someone like Ramos is great. He's going to get the best out of me.

“I've got a lot of respect for him for what he's achieved. I've talked a lot to the other players about him and I'm sure he'll push me on to the next level. He's really good.”

Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas and centre-back Michael Dawson have meanwhile signed one-year contract extensions keeping them at the club until 2013.