Gallas closing in on contentious free transfer move to Tottenham
Published:Former Arsenal captain William Gallas is close to sealing a deal to play for their north London rivals Tottenham.
Gallas left the Gunners on a free transfer over the summer after failing to sign a new contract, but is said to be heading to White Hart Lane ahead of penning a one-year deal.
The 33-year-old has been linked with the likes of Juventus and AC Milan during the close season, but his high wage demands have proved a stumbling block in any such deal being completed.
However, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has agreed a deal, with Gallas set to boost the club’s defensive options as they mount a challenge to finish in the top four of the Premier League for the second season in succession.
Tottenham are 11/4 to finish in the Champions League places and Redknapp is not concerned about Gallas’ past connections with both Arsenal and Chelsea.
Redknapp said: “It’s not like we would be signing Tony Adams. Gallas is a good player and would be a very useful addition to our squad.”
With the future of Jonathan Woodgate unclear because of a long-term groin injury and Ledley King constantly battling knee problems, Gallas will join Sebastien Bassong in challenging for a place at centre-back alongside Michael Dawson.
Gallas will not complete his move in time to play in Tottenham’s next Premier League encounter away at Stoke, where they are 11/10 to collect the three points.
But he may be available to feature in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tussle with Young Boys.
Tottenham lost the first leg 3-2 in Switzerland but are still fancied to secure their passage into the group stages of the competition.
Tottenham are 33/1 to win the Champions League. See the whole 2011 Champions League winners market.
