Spurs beat Everton to Sheffield defense duo

Harry Redknapp's first summer signings seem to have finally (unofficially) occurred today and, surprise, they weren't the Real Madrid strikers that Spurs have been linked so heavily to over the past few days.

Instead, it was Sheffield United defenders Kyle Walker and Kyle Naugton for a combined £8 million, with Walker being loaned to the Blades for the upcoming season.

Everton had been in competition with Tottehnam, particularly for Naughton, as the Goodison Park club had the first offer (believed to be around £5 million) accepted for the player, but then Redknapp swooped with the higher bid and, evidently after some discussion, Naughton (who received the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this summer) and Walker came to terms with Spurs and agreed to the switch.

Naugton is a 20-year old defender who primarily plays at right back. This is an issue because Spurs already have Vedran Corluka, Alan Hutton, Pascal Chimbonda and Chris Gunter at the position. (Even though 19-year-old Gunter has been loaned back to Nottingham Forest, where he impressed last season.) Redknapp is believed to have been interested in Naughton because he has had some experience at left back out of the past season, although he was more there out of necessity than because he showed any particular aptitude for the position.

While Naughton is an excellent young player, the eventual gem of the deal could be Kyle Walker, who can play at both right back and center back. Redknapp likely sees Walker as a long-term replacement for either Ledley King or Michael Dawson, with some rumors swirling around Dawson recently and King entering the final year of his contract.

19-year-old Walker, who starred in Sheffield's final four games last season, will return to Sheffield on loan initially, aiding both club's and likely the player's development.

This could be an excellent deal for Tottenham as they are buying two highly rated young players in one fell swoop, but one player will likely see a fair amount of competitive play right from the start of his time at White Hart Lane while the other will continue to grow and develop in order to contribute next season.

It's not the type of headline signing that the supporters have been waiting for, but 'Arry's first step into the transfer market could prove a fruitful one.