Spurs hit Van der Vaart hitch

Special dispensation required from Premier League Sky Sports News understands Tottenham Hotspur missed the deadline to finalise the paperwork for the signing of Rafael van der Vaart. Spurs made a late bid to bring in Holland international Van der Vaart and tried to complete the deal before Tuesday's 6pm cut-off. However, it is understood that technical issues prevented the necessary paperwork from being completed and Spurs have now requested special dispensation from the Premier League to add the midfielder to their squad. The club were not initially expected to be particularly active on deadline day, but the sudden availability of Van der Vaart at a knock-down price of £8million prompted Spurs to act. Manager Harry Redknapp told Sky Sports News on Tuesday evening that he was hopeful of signing Van der Vaart and conceded the club could not pass up such an opportunity.