Sigurdsson snubs Liverpool for Spurs

New Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas received a major boost with the signing of Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Sigurdsson had been linked with Swansea, where he was on loan last season, and Liverpool, who are now managed by former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers.

Speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future came to an end Wednesday when Spurs confirmed they had signed Sigurdsson on a reported five-year deal, according to the Mirror.

Sigurdsson revealed he spurned Liverpool's advances because he believes Tottenham are a club that is going places after a meeting with the Spurs' hierarchy.

Spurs failed to make the Champions League last season after Chelsea's victory over Bayern Munich in the final, but Sigurdsson believes the club will be serious challengers for a top-four place next term.

"I enjoyed playing under Brendan and I am grateful for everything he has done for me, but after careful consideration I liked Spurs best," Sigurdsson told Icelandic website mbl.is.

"The team has world-class players in their ranks and they play good football, which I like.

"I was impressed with the club's plans for next season and the coming years.

"There is clearly great ambition at Tottenham and the club intends to do big things.

"It is a pleasure to see that Gareth Bale has signed a new contract.

"There are top players in the team and the club is getting a new training ground."

Sigurdsson joined Swansea on loan from Hoffenheim last season and netted seven times in 19 appearances for the Welsh side.

Swansea had agreed a £6.8million fee, and personal terms with the player, but Rodgers' departure to Liverpool scuppered the deal.

The midfielder has already spoken to Villas-Boas, who was named as Harry Redknapp's replacement Tuesday, and is looking forward to working under the Portuguese.

"I like him and the ideas he has," Sigurdsson added. "He has faith in me and I'm looking forward to working under his leadership."

Sigurdsson's arrival has raised questions about the future of Luka Modric.

The Spurs playmaker, who last year was the subject of a £40 million bid from Chelsea, has made it clear he wants to leave White Hart Lane.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has vowed not to sell any of the club's top stars but his resolve could be tested if Chelsea, Real Madrid or either of the Manchester clubs bid for the Croatian this summer.

Tottenham hope to wrap up a deal for Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen in the near future, and the club have also been linked with a move for Russian midfielder Alan Dzagoev.