Blackpool sign Carney

Blackpool may have trumped Tottenham for the latest transfer on deadline day after their last-minute swoop for Australia defender David Carney was cleared by the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Seasiders had been unsure whether they had completed the deal before the 6pm cut-off after Carney's former club FC Twente only e-mailed the required paperwork through minutes before the deadline.

Carney, 26, had already completed a medical and put pen to paper on a one-year deal, with an option for a further season, on Tuesday afternoon but the deal remained on hold until the Premier League's clearance.

And while Spurs' similarly last-gasp signing of Holland international Rafael van der Vaart may have been more high profile, Blackpool secretary Matt Williams endured a no less hectic end to the transfer window.

"We got the e-mails back from FC Twente just before six so it was a mad dash to get them printed off and faxed over to the FA and Premier League," Williams told the club's website blackpoolfc.co.uk

"Fortunately the confirmation came through on Wednesday morning and I was delighted to tell the gaffer (Ian Holloway) and Carns that the move had been given the green light."

Former Sheffield United full-back Carney was part of Australia's squad at the World Cup and helped Twente to the Dutch title last term under coach Steve McClaren.

He had flown out to join the Socceroos' squad for their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Poland late Tuesday night and had been unaware whether his return to England had been confirmed until notification from the Seasiders.

"It has been a busy 24 hours but I'm delighted it is done now and I am looking forward to getting out there and playing," he said.

"The way Blackpool play suits me and I am looking forward to meeting the lads and getting started."