Andre Villas-Boas talks up arrival of Lewis Holtby at Tottenham

Midfielder has joined earlier than expected from Schalke

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking for new signing Lewis Holtby to add an extra dimension to his side and has also quashed rumours Jermain Defoe requires surgery on a recent injury.

Holtby, 22, had already agreed a deal to move to White Hart Lane from Schalke in the summer at the end of his contract but the move has been brought forward and the Germany international could make his Barclays Premier League debut as early as tomorrow night when Spurs visit Norwich.

Villas-Boas has two strikers at the club in Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor but Defoe suffered an injury that ruled him out of the FA Cup defeat at Leeds and Adebayor is away at the African Nations Cup with Togo.

Despite not seemingly aiming to sign a striker, the former Chelsea boss is hopeful £1.5million acquisition Holtby can make an immediate impact on his squad.

"We rate the player very highly," he said.

"We managed to get him at a good price, it was always a question of how much Schalke would want for the player.

"I think there was willingness from the player to come early so we have decided to add him to the squad - he is an extremely talented attacking midfielder who can play in a variety of roles.

"He is used to playing in different positions, he is young and talented - I think he is an excellent addition for us.

"He has been selected for the game (at Norwich) - he has just had one training session so we will decide wisely if it (playing) is appropriate or not."

There were reports that Defoe would require surgery after sitting out the Leeds game but Villas-Boas played that down and stressed he still does not feel he needs to make a move for a new forward in the window.

When asked if Defoe required an operation he said: "No, it is not true.

"It is extremely important (that Defoe can play), we have spoken openly about this situation and we know it is a situation of risk and limit but we are happy to take that risk at the moment. We are fine as we stand - it is something we are not considering."

One player who has been linked with Spurs, as well as with Wednesday's opponents Norwich, is Celtic striker Gary Hooper but Villas-Boas was quick to rule out a move for the former Scunthorpe player.

"I was never in Scotland seeing the player so I don't know where it came from," he said.

"Obviously I think he is a player of massive talent but he was never mentioned to us."

Villas-Boas is also looking forward to sending his side out to right the wrongs of the FA Cup defeat just three days after the surprise loss at Elland Road.

"I think it is always a good thing better than to wait a week to play a game," he said.

"We have this game straight away, an opportunity to put things back on track and go back to winning ways.

"It is a different competition and we have got good results in the league so far but we wanted to do better in the FA Cup so I think this game comes at a good time for us."

PA