Steven Caulker
Caulker has no regrets over his decision to leave Tottenham this summer (Reuters)

Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker insists he has no regrets over leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer, claiming it was difficult to envisage a future for himself at White Hart Lane.

The 21-year-old is to line up against Manchester City in his second game for the Bluebirds' on Sunday afternoon, having made his move to the Welsh capital last month for a fee in excess of £8m.

Both his decision to seek a move and Tottenham's to allow a home grown, young defensive talent to leave the club raised some eyebrows when the transfer was confirmed, but the former Swansea City loanee claims Tottenham's poor record of home grown players establishing themselves as integral first team players told him his opportunities for consistent first team football would lie elsewhere.

"I knew what I was coming here for and I am not looking back. I wish Tottenham well," Caulker was quoted as saying by ITV Sport.

"I understand why people question why I have dropped down. But people who knew me know I want to play football and challenge myself every week. I am young and want to play and get as much experience as I can.

"Tottenham is a club that has not produced a player since Ledley King, so it was slightly difficult to see your future there as a youngster."

Tottenham trio Jan Vertonghen, Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul were all ahead of Caulker in the pecking order before he decided to leave White Hart Lane and Andre Villas-Boas is seemingly on the brink of bringing in a fourth defender to supplement the loss of the Cardiff City centre-half.

Steaua Bucharest have claimed the club are on the brink of confirming a deal that will see Vlad Chiriches complete a move to White Hart Lane.

Tottenham thought they had secured a deal for the 23-year-old at the beginning of the month only for Steaua's outspoken owner Gigi Becali to pull the plug on the deal.

Having renegotiated a financial package, it would appear the move is back on.

"Chiri's condition is good and the clubs have agreed to transfer him. I'm very happy for him," Steaua coach Laurentiu Reghecampf was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I hope he will help us on Tuesday night (Steaua's second leg Champions League qualifier against Legia Warsaw) and of course that he stays healthy.

"The club made money on him and I cannot say the amount for which he is transferred but it is very high."