Player profile: Who is Tottenham's new signing Vlad Chiriches?

The defender already has a goal in London to his name

Vlad Chiriches signed for Tottenham today (GETTY IMAGES)

Vlad Chiriches signed to become the latest in a long line of new additions to the Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but who is the Romanian centre-back?

The 23-year-old has been capped 19 times by his country, and joined up at White Hart Lane for £8.5m from Steaua Bucharest today, as Andre Villas-Boas’ summer spending continues at pace with the imminent departure of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for a world-record £86m.

Chiriches started his professional career at the now-defunct Romanian club International, having played for Portuguese giants Benfica at youth level, before joining another Romanian team in CS Pandurii Targu Jiu in 2010. The 6ft 1/4in player quickly gained a reputation as a composed centre-back and signed for top-flight Steaua one season later. He appeared 26 times for the club last season in their league-winning season.

He has made 12 appearances (all for Steaua) in the Europa League. The defender played in both legs of Steaua’s Last 16 tie against Chelsea in the competition last season, which they lost 3-2 on aggregate. Chiriches scored in the second leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, finishing from close range in the 3-1 defeat.

Chiriches will challenge Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul, Jan Vertonghen, and Zeki Fryers for a place in the centre of the Spurs defence.