Coventry City have beaten Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to sign a Swedish wonderkid.

Richard Spong, holder of twelve caps at under-16 and one at under-17 level, was being chased by several premiership clubs after his performances in the Nordic Cup.

Richard Money, director of Coventry’s soccer academy, said: 

"Richard’s parents narrowed the list down to three clubs. Liverpool, Tottenham and ourselves. He spent one week at Spurs and two days at Liverpool, before deciding to join us."

Spong explained: 

"I like the atmosphere at this club. People are very friendly and helpful. I think they can make me into a better player so that I will play for my country at senior level one day."

Coventry already have two Swedes, goalkeeper Magnus Hedman and full back Tomas Gustafsson, on their books and the youngster said: 

"It will be fun to have someone from my own country to talk to, but it did not affect my decision one way or the other."

Fifteen year old Spong is a centreback but he can also play midfield. 

"We shall have to wait to see which is his best position," says Money.

"He is six feet tall and is very good in the air, but he is also very skilful and it might be that a holding role in central midfield will be his best position."

The young player was watching his new clubmates training today before leaving for a holiday in Spain with his parents to relax following the end of the Swedish football season. He then leaves with the Swedish under-16 squad for a six-nation tournament in Israel.