English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla have reached an agreement for the sale of midfielder Didier Zokora to the Spanish club. Talks over the sale of the former St Etienne player have been ongoing since the end of last season with Spurs hoping a favourable deal would soften Sevilla's claims for compensation over their pursuit of former coach Juande Ramos two years ago. According to Spurs's official website, the departure of the 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is now imminent after the two clubs settled on a fee. "We have reached agreement for the transfer of Didier Zokora to Sevilla," read the statement. "The Ivory Coast international joined us from St Etienne in July 2006 and went on to make 134 appearances for the club, including being part of the League Cup-winning side of 2008. "We thank Didier for his contribution and wish him every success for the future." Sevilla confirmed today also confirmed the signing on their website, saying Zokora had signed a four-year deal at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, which includes a ?30 million (Dh153m) release clause, and will be presented next Wednesday. Sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo has revealed Zokora's desire to join them was crucial in sealing the deal. "Every Sevillista should be happy," he said on the Primera Liga club's website. "We have to thank the president and the board for the effort they made in this signing. "As soon as he knew about Sevilla's interest, he only gave signs of dedication and gratitude. This is important in these cases because it gives you leeway in the negotiation. "We are all really happy today." Zokora had found his chances in the starting XI at White Hart Lane restricted since Harry Redknapp's arrival last year as Ramos's replacement after the Spaniard was sacked. With Wilson Palacios's arrival from Wigan and Tom Huddlestone also preferred ahead of the African, Zokora was often deployed as an emergency right-back rather than in his preferred holding midfield spot.
*With Agencies
