Tottenham Hotspur have equalled their transfer record to sign Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle United for £30 million just before the transfer deadline.
France international Sissoko, 27, has signed a five-year deal at White Hart Lane after rejecting Everton at the 11th hour.
Earlier on deadline day, sources told ESPN FC that Spurs had cooled their interest in Sissoko after Newcastle rejected bids of around £16m and £25m, with Magpies chairman Mike Ashley demanding £30m, payable in instalments, and refusing to compromise.
CONFIRMED: We are delighted to announce the signing of @MoussaSissoko from Newcastle United. #SissokoSigns �� pic.twitter.com/eoA5QAaEsJ
- Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 31, 2016
Separate sources said that Everton met Ashley's asking price and Sissoko was on his way to Merseyside -- having been given permission to leave France's training camp -- when Spurs matched the Toffees' offer.
Sissoko preferred a move to Spurs and he underwent a medical and agreed personal terms in London ahead of the 11 p.m. BST deadline.
Very happy to join @SpursOfficial for the next 5 years ! pic.twitter.com/2KLe0Hmd4V
- Moussa Sissoko (@MoussaSissoko) August 31, 2016
Sissoko starred for France at this summer's Euro 2016 but he had stated a desire to leave St. James' Park after the club's relegation to the Championship, and he is yet to feature this season.
The former Toulouse player, who joined Newcastle in 2013 and made 133 appearances for the Toon, scoring 12 times, is Spurs third signing of deadline day after Kevin-Georges Nkoudou from Marseille and goalkeeper Pau Lopez on loan from Espanyol.
The £30m deal matches the fee Spurs paid Roma for Erik Lamela in summer 2013 and is the highest-ever fee involving a Championship club.
Spurs signed midfielder Victor Wanyama and striker Vincent Janssen from Southampton and AZ Alkmaar respectively in July.