Germany Under-21 captain Lewis Holtby has joined Tottenham Hotspur FC from FC Schalke 04 six months ahead of schedule after the two clubs agreed a fee to bring his transfer forward.

The 22-year-old, who scored ten goals in 55 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke, signed a deal at the beginning of the month to join Spurs in the summer but will now move to the north London club immediately. Holtby has been capped three times by Germany.

Schalke face Galatasaray AŞ in the UEFA Champions League last 16 while Spurs take on Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Europa League round of 32.

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