Tottenham have beaten Wigan Athletic and their north London rivals, Arsenal, to sign the Brazilian forward Leonardo Vitor Santiago. He will join in January from NAC Breda for a nominal fee subject to a successful work-permit application.
The left-sided player is seen as the solution to Spurs' problems on that flank. Leonardo's contract with Breda, whom he joined in January this year from Feyenoord, expires at the end of the season, permitting him to join Tottenham in two months' time for a negligible fee.
Arsenal, who also lack effective width and penetration on the left, were frequent visitors to the Rat Verlegh to monitor Leonardo's progress but they and Paul Jewell's Wigan were beaten to the signing by Martin Jol. Spurs' manager hopes Leonardo's pace will provide balance to Aaron Lennon's on the right flank.
Having been brought to Feyenoord as a 12-year-old by the then coach Piet de Visser, Leonardo made his debut at the age of 17. Before his 19th birthday he was sitting on the bench in the 3-2 Uefa Cup final win over Borussia Dortmund in 2002, but injuries and controversy have blighted his career and, like his friend and former Feyenoord team-mate Robin van Persie, he was ousted from the club after clashes with coaches.
His eight goals in 14 games at the end of last season saved Breda from relegation but this season he clashed with their coach, Ernie Brandts. Leonardo walked out of training and was suspended. He has since returned and he scored one and set up another in Breda's surprise 3-1 Dutch Cup win at Groningen.
