The 21-year-old has been compared to Marcel Desailly and was targeted by a host of European clubs before sealing his switch to White Hart Lane in a deal valued at around £7.5million.

It takes Spurs' spending past the £30million mark since the end of the season, with Gareth Bale and Darren Bent brought in as the club attempt to break into the top four of the Premier League.

"He's a big, strong guy, as well as being a good player - which I've noticed in training," said midfielder Didier Zokora.

"I played against him for St Etienne as well, and his technique is very good."

Kaboul is expected to compete with captain Ledley King and Michael Dawson for a place at centre-back in Martin Jol's starting XI, with Ricardo Rocha and Anthony Gardner also providing cover.

Jol struggled for numbers in defence in the previous campaign as Spurs embarked on three cup runs and also finished fifth in the league.

King is recovering from knee surgery and is facing a race to be fit for the start of the campaign, with sporting director Damien Comolli monitoring Kaboul closely since the turn of the year.

"Younes possesses power, great pace and is good on the ball and strong in the air," said Comolli.

"He is a good leader who showed a great desire to come to us, despite interest and offers from numerous other clubs.

"From day one he said 'I want to play for Spurs', and his personality made a big impression on Martin and myself.

"He has been a regular in the Auxerre first team for the past two seasons and is an excellent signing."

Spurs have moved quickly in the summer market - as they did last season when they bought Dimitar Berbatov - and Comolli is expected to continue attracting players to the club over the summer, depending on availability.

The Kaboul transfer also maintains Spurs' policy of investing in young talent.

Jol added: "If you ask people in France who is seen as the hottest prospect in defence they will say Younes Kaboul.

"We are very happy to have him on board. It's important to have quality players in defence - and with Younes, we have that."

Meanwhile, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has stated that there has been no contact with Spurs over the possibility of signing Pascal Chimbonda.

Kaboul is confident he has made the right choice in joining Spurs.

"I will give everything I have got to the club," said Kaboul. "I like the Premier League and Tottenham is the right club for me - now it is time to get on with it.

"The football in England is fast, I love the atmosphere and at Tottenham everything is here for us to succeed. I didn't hesitate in joining."