• Premier League

Reported Spurs target Kjaer joins McClaren's Wolfsburg

ESPN staff
July 8, 2010
Simon Kjaer was one of Denmark's better players at the World Cup © Getty Images
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Wolfsburg have completed the signing of highly-rated Denmark central defender Simon Kjaer, who was reportedly the subject of a bid from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 2009 Bundesliga champions are thought to have beaten a host of European clubs to the signing of 21-year-old Kjaer, who moves from Palermo for an undisclosed fee and on a four-year deal.

"Simon is not only a strong, aggressive defender, he also has a good personality on the field," managing director Dieter Hoeness told the club's official website. "He has the qualities of a leader.''

Kjaer was pleased to have joined a club seemingly on the up following the appointment of Steve McClaren as coach and the capture of Germany international Arne Friedrich last week.

"The transfer means I have the chance to play for a top club,'' Kjaer said. "I think this is the right step for me. We have a strong team that can challenge at the top of the Bundesliga. First, I need to secure a regular place.''

Kjaer has made 11 appearances for Denmark and was one of the few players to impress for Morten Olsen's side as they crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage.

He joined Palermo from FC Midtjylland in 2008 and went on to become one of the best young defenders in Serie A, reportedly attracting the attention of a number of big European clubs with his imperious displays last season.

"We have seen him play on several occasions, most recently ... at the World Cup warm-up game against Senegal,'' Hoeness added.

"It is no secret that we wanted to sign him in the January winter break but Palermo were not ready, at the time, for the change. We are happy that it has all come together now and that he has chosen us.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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