Exclusive: Spurs agree deal for Thierry Henry

Tottenham Hotspur are sensationally expected to announce later today the signing of former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in a deal which is expected to send shockwaves around the world and highlight Tottenham's ambition for the coming campaign.

Henry, who is currently playing for the Catalan giants Barcelona, was due to sign a new £140,000 contract at the Nou Camp in the summer to stave off interest from Manchester City, but Harry Redknapp has worked his magic to secure the spectacular signing of the French international who will move to White Hart Lane in June.

The former Monaco star signed a four-year contract with Barcelona in 2007 but had a release clause in place, valued at £84.9 million. Spurs have met that valuation and are expected to pay £60 million up front for Arsenal’s record goalscorer and give them Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent in exchange.

A close friend of the Barcelona marksman was allegedly quoted as saying that it was always his intention to come back to the Premiership and that making Spurs into a top four side was a major challenge that he couldn’t refuse.

“Everyone knows that he loved playing for Arsenal but he’s missed the passion of the English game and wanted to move back to north London. Arsenal was a no-go for him as he doesn’t believe in going back to where he has already been so when he heard that Tottenham were in for him he couldn’t refuse.

“He told me that Tottenham deserve to be challenging for honours as their fans are excellent and he wanted to be the man to put them back where they belong.”

Harry Redknapp, who has managed to conduct the transfer in secret, allegedly told the Spanish paper Pilar Lofo the deal had been in the pipeline for a number of months and is delighted to finally reveal Henry will be a Spurs player.

“I still can’t believe it. Henry, despite being 31, is still one of the most effective players in the world. It’s going to be a joy to have him link up with Keane and Defoe at the start of next season. Tottenham fans have been terrific since I came here but now I hope the arrival of Henry will reward them with some proper silverware.”

Arsene Wenger, who brought Henry to these shores in 1999 for £10.5 million, apparently said: “I didn’t see that coming.”

More details are expected later today.

* If you look at the date of when this was published you will see that this was our attempt at an April Fool. The majority of you weren't fooled at all, but judging by some of the responses we got a few of you hook, line and sinker.