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Tottenham have appointed former England assistant manager Franco Baldini as technical director.

The Italian, 52, left his post at Roma earlier this month and will take charge of Spurs' scouting and transfer policy.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas is keen on a continental management structure at White Hart Lane.

Baldini knows the Premier League well, having spent four years as Fabio Capello's right-hand man during his time with the England national team.

He will also work alongside technical co-ordinator Tim Sherwood in addition to Villas-Boas.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: "Franco is extremely well respected in the industry, possessing an extensive knowledge of players around the world.

"He will strengthen our football management team, particularly in the field of recruitment, working closely with Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood across all levels on the playing side."

Speaking last month about the role of technical director, Villas-Boas said: "It's something that I am used to working with.

"Since the first day I told the club that it's somebody who is extremely important in my view to the structure of the club."

Baldini spent the past two seasons with Roma, but had originally been linked with a move to Spurs late last year.

The former Bologna, Bari and Pescara player has previously held roles as general director at Roma, assistant manager during Capello's time in charge of England and as sporting director at Real Madrid.