Steed Malbranque has been confirmed as Sunderland's third signing from Tottenham this summer but Younes Kaboul has indicated he is ready to turn down a move to the Stadium of Light.

 

Roy Keane has already brought full-back Pascal Chimbonda and midfielder Teemu Tainio from White Hart Lane to Wearside - and the Sunderland boss has now persuaded the Frenchman Malbranque to agreed a four year old deal.

 

Malbranque was a regular with Spurs under Juande Ramos last season but was a right-footer playing on the left side of midfield, and a bid was accepted for him  which indicated the 28 year old was not central to the Spaniard's plan.

 

Keane has also had an offer accepted for centre-back Kaboul, who endured a frustrating first season at Spurs after arriving from Auxerre. Kaboul has also attracted interest from Aston Villa and Portsmouth and his agent has suggested that Pompey would be the youngster's preferred destination, which would leave Keane continuing to look for centre-back.

 

Thursday 31st July, 2008