Tottenham have reached an agreement with Red Star Belgrade to sign Yugoslavian international Goran Bunjevcevic.
Spurs will pay in the region of £5 million for the 27-year-old central defender, who will be offered a five-year contract.
But Bunjevcevic will not make his debut against champions Manchester United at White Hart Lane on Saturday because of work permit problems. Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle said: "Bunjevcevic has had his medical but won't sign officially for three weeks. He needs to play two more internationals first.
"He's a very good passer of the ball with immense experience and can play in midfield or as a sweeper. I see him alongside Sol Campbell."
Hoddle has also admitted he is keen to bring former Spurs favourite Teddy Sheringham back to White Hart Lane.
Hoddle believes the 35-year-old Footballer of the Year - who he coached while manager of England - could be the man to bring success back to Tottenham.
Sheringham left Spurs to join Manchester United in a £3.5 million deal four years ago and has since won the Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League.
Hoddle said: "We know Teddy might be available and he's somebody I have admired as a player for many years. He's just won Player of the Year and it doesn't matter about his age to me - I think we need that type of player, with the experience to help the youngsters."