Jermain Defoe Completes Tottenham Return

After being paraded around White Hart Lane prior to Tottenham Hotspur's 4-1 romp over Burnley on Tuesday, it has now finally been confirmed that Jermain Defoe will return to north London to re-earn his spurs.

It represents the third time that lilywhite boss Harry Redknapp will have signed the pacey striker, after linking up with the England international at former clubs Portsmouth and West Ham United.

Top Class

"I know what a top class player he is as well as a proven goalscorer," Redknapp told the club's official website.

"I am pleased to have him here and I am sure the supporters are looking forward to seeing him back in a Spurs shirt."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy added: "We are delighted to welcome Jermain back to the Club.

"We had previously been keen for Jermain to sign a new contract to extend his initial stay but at that point in time he felt it was in his interests to move on in order to guarantee himself more starts.

"I know the Club is close to his heart and that he is thrilled to be back and to once again link up with Harry."

Portsmouth's chief executive, Peter Storrie told Sky Sports of the club's disappointment in yet another of their bigger players moving away from Hampshire, but insisted the money received from outbound transfers would be used to bolster the squad.

Disappointment

"Like everything we are always disappointed. Tony [Adams] made it clear though that he didn't want anyone at the club who wasn't prepared to fight for the cause. At least now we have time to find a replacement.

"We know our replacements and targets, and are working on them now. We will keep those targets to ourselves, but you will hopefully hear of them very shortly."

He continued: "We are looking to bring in three transfers, and a few loans. We will definitely be replacing four or five players."

Jermain Defoe could be selected for inclusion in Tottenham's weekend trip to the JJB Stadium to take on Wigan Athletic.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com