Moussa Sissoko to Tottenham: Latest Transfer Details, Comments, Reaction

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who has agreed a long-term contract at White Hart Lane. Spurs beat Premier League rivals Everton to secure the midfielder's signature after matching his £30 million asking price late on deadline day.

The player confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, via his social media account, marking the end of his Newcastle career after three-and-a-half seasons at St James' Park:

Sissoko had been the subject of a transfer deadline-day tussle between Spurs and the Toffees.

Everton moved first to meet Newcastle's £30 million valuation for the player, per BBC Sport's Mandeep Sanghera and Ian Dennis. Personal terms still needed to be agreed, though, with the report also revealing Spurs hadn't given up hope.

So it proved as the north London club soon matched Everton's offer, per Jim White of Sky Sports. It was a decision that surprised Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard:

Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News provided more details, reporting the player's representatives favoured the move to Spurs over a deal with Everton:

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty told BBC Radio 5 live just how close Everton had come to winning the race:

No doubt Tottenham's ability to offer UEFA Champions League football this season ultimately proved decisive. Still, McNulty chided both clubs for leaving it so late to make their moves:

However, he also lauded the Magpies for staying true to their asking price for the player:

It's a hefty fee, but Sissoko became a familiar name in transfer rumours during this summer's window following a successful UEFA Euro 2016 campaign with France. The 27-year-old was one of his nation's best players, eventually helping Les Bleus reach the final.

OptaJoe highlighted one area where he particularly shone:

His excellent displays of power, pace and skill reportedly also made several of Europe's biggest clubs sit up and take notice. Among them, Premier League side Arsenal were strongly linked, according to TalkSport's Warren Haughton.

More surprisingly, LaLiga giants Real Madrid were also credited with interest, per Lee Ryder of the Chronicle. Given the level of interest, it was no shock when Newcastle, who were relegated to the Championship last season, raised Sissoko's asking price.

The massive fee was said not to deter Serie A side Juventus, who faced competition from Everton, according to Andy Hunter of the Guardian.

To some, though, a big price tag along with a list of some of the continent's most successful clubs pursuing his signature may not have seemed fitting for Sissoko. After all, the robust Frenchman was inconsistent during his time with Newcastle.

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On his day, the former Toulouse man can overwhelm defences with formidable strength, direct speed and flair. Sissoko also has a keen eye for goal and is versatile enough to play wide or in the middle.

Those qualities should be welcome in a Spurs midfield that's been pedestrian through three league games this season. Destroyers Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama don't possess the drive to support Dele Alli and schemer Christian Eriksen.

When he's put everything together, Sissoko produced some moments of true brilliance for the Magpies. Yet his career has also been marked by long periods of lacklustre or generally anonymous performances.

Now Sissoko will be under pressure to deliver on a more regular basis and justify the hype he's generated this summer.