Tottenham Transfer News: Lewis Holtby Makes 'Immediate Transfer' to Spurs

It is finished, Spurs fans.

Sky Sports is reporting that after months of back-and-forth negotiations between Tottenham and FC Schalke, midfielder Lewis Holtby will be coming to White Hart Lane within the week after Spurs made a £1.5 million bid to push the signing through before the window closes on Thursday.

"We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Schalke for the immediate transfer of Lewis Holtby," was the statement on Tottenham Hotspur's official website.

That sentiment barely begins to describe the elation Spurs supporters are feeling as their club goes into the second half of a tough season.

For starters, Germany's U-21 captain is as versatile a midfielder as there is in European football. Holtby usually slots into an attacking midfielder role, but he has extensive experience at nearly every midfield position. With Tottenham's midfield cupboard running bare, Holtby is a welcome reinforcement.

Second, with Holtby bringing a strong attacking midfield presence, it'll allow manager Andre Villas-Boas some creativity when it comes to striker. Jermain Defoe is obviously the first choice, but now Emmanuel Adebayor isn't the de facto choice for second striker. Clint Dempsey has shown himself in recent weeks to be a solid option at the top of the key.

Lastly, Holtby is the best player on what looks to be the best team going into the Euro 2013 U-21 Championship. He'll be a star on the senior team after this summer's tournament in Israel.

In 19 Bundesliga appearances with Schalke, Holtby scored four goals and assisted on seven others. In six Champions League starts, he recorded three assists.