Lewis Holtby speeds Tottenham Hotspur transfer from Schalke

Lewis Holtby joins a Tottenham Hotspur club that's in fourth place in the Premier League.

Frank Augstein/AP

Germany midfielder Lewis Holtby sealed an immediate transfer to Tottenham on Monday after negotiating the early termination of his contract at Schalke.

The 22-year-old Holtby moved forward a transfer that was due to be made in July, when he would have joined Tottenham on a free transfer.

"We found the best solution for all parties involved,'' Schalke general manager Horst Heldt said. "Lewis indicated that he wouldn't be averse to transferring ahead of time and Schalke received a decent transfer fee five months before (his) contract expired.''

British media reported that Tottenham has spent 1.25 million pounds ($2 million) on Holtby, signing him on a four-year deal.

"He always conducted himself in a proper manner and hung in for Schalke to the last day,'' Heldt said. "We hope it goes well for Lewis and wish him lots of luck for the future.''

Holtby, who has an English father and German mother, is an attacking midfielder who usually plays central but can operate on either flank. He will bolster a midfield that has been deprived of Brazil midfielder Sandro, who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Holtby has played three times for Germany's national team, having been captain of the under-21 side. He has scored four goals in 27 appearances for Schalke this season.