Spurs celebrate Cudicini capture

Harry Redknapp has moved to resolve Tottenham's much publicised goalkeeping problems today by signing the highly-regarded Carlo Cudicini from Chelsea on a free transfer. The Spurs' first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is yet to convince his manager ? or Spurs fans ? of his ability since joining last summer from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven and is currently struggling with a leg injury. Cudicini, 35, is a crowd favourite at Stamford Bridge but has been reduced to no more than a backup since Petr Cech's arrival as the undisputed No 1 in 2004. Cudicini, who lists AC Milan and Lazio among his former clubs, was signed by the former Blues boss Gianluca Vialli back in 2000 for £160,000 (Dh800,000) and has made over 210 starts in nearly nine years in West London, winning the club's Player of the Year award in 2002. Redknapp will be looking to Cudicini to not only provide cover for the erratic Gomes but also challenge him for a starting berth. The goalkeeping department has been one of huge concern for Redknapp since taking charge last November. Earlier this month Cesar Sanchez was farmed out to Valencia on loan, with Redknapp less than confident in the veteran Spanish keeper's capabilities, leaving the inexperienced Ben Alnwick as the club's only other recognised shot-stopper. In a busy day of transfer activity for the White Hart Lane outfit, they also look set to welcome back the French full-back Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland, to whom they sold him last summer, with the former Wigan defender in North London undergoing a medical.

sluckings@thenational.ae