Tottenham have signed defender Ryan Nelsen on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers, the club have confirmed on their official website.

The 34-year-old New Zealand international was released from his contract by Blackburn yesterday and the Londoners have now confirmed his arrival at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp agreed to let Sebastien Bassong join Wolves on loan on deadline day (source: BBC) as long he could secure a replacement, and a deal to land Nelsen was put in place.

The experienced centre back has played over 200 Premier League games for Rovers and will provide competition and cover for Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul and William Gallas in the Spurs back line.

King has well documented injury problems meaning he struggles to play more than 1 game per week, while Gallas is sidelined with a long-term injury, so Nelsen may be on hand to help out during a busy run-in for Tottenham as they maintain their title challenge.