Alan Hutton, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, looks certain to make his debut against Manchester United at White Hart Lane tomorrow.

The new £8 million signing goes straight into the squad as Juande Ramos prepares his team to face the champions for the second time in six days.

Hutton, who is now Scotland’s most expensive defender, revealed that Ramos had a huge bearing on his decision to leave Rangers. “What influenced my decision was a lot to do with coming down and meeting the head coach and hearing his plans for the club,” he said.

“That helped me make up my mind. Leaving Rangers was a decision I had to take time to think about, and it was hard for me having grown up supporting the club as well as playing for them for many years. It was a hard decision - but I think it's the right one overall.

“The Premier League is one of the best in the world and everybody knows that, so I think you have to take the step down here to show people what you've got.

“I think I've got good attributes in terms of getting forward and hope I can add them to the team.”

Gilberto, the Brazilian left back, should also be available after arriving from Hertha Berlin late last night and could line up alongside Jonathan Woodgate in a new-look Tottenham defence. Ledley King may be part of that, however the England defender must first pass a fitness test ahead of the game.