Sunderland after Chimbonda

[Lemmy]

Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has confirmed he is keen to leave White Hart Lane and join Sunderland after meeting Black Cats boss Roy Keane.

The 29-year-old arrived at Spurs from Wigan in August 2006.

"I travelled to meet Keane on Saturday at Sunderland's training ground. I was extremely impressed with what he had to say," said Chimbonda.

French international full-back Chimbonda joined Wigan for £500,000 in 2005 from French club Bastia.

Chimbonda added: "Keane's honesty and openness really were fantastic and I particularly like the plans he has for Sunderland. The opportunity excites me and I hope he was impressed with what I had to say."

Three other Spurs players are also being targeted by the Black Cats.

It is understood that Steed Malbranque, Younes Kaboul and Teemu Tainio are due in the north-east for talks.

Sunderland reached agreement with Tottenham on Thursday to give them permission to speak to the quartet.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Sunderland | Sunderland close in on Chimbonda

[Lemmy]

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has continued to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season by signing defender Pascal Chimbonda from Spurs.

The 29-year-old French full-back has agreed a three-year contract after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

"He has a lot of Premier League experience which can only be a plus for us," said a delighted Keane.

"He'll give us more options at the back, creating more competition for places. It's a fantastic signing."

Chimbonda is the second Spurs player to move to Wearside following Teemu Tainio's switch three days ago.

Keane is also thought to be interested in Younes Kaboul and Steed Malbranque.

Chimbonda began his Premier League career with Wigan before joining Tottenham in a £4.5m deal in August 2006.

However, he incurred the wrath of many Spurs fans when he reacted angrily to being substituted during the club's Carling Cup final win over Chelsea.

The Frenchman walked straight down the tunnel at Wembley, without acknowledging manager Juande Ramos or his replacement.

Chimbonda also caused controversy at his previous club Wigan when he handed in a transfer request in the dressing room after the Latics' final game of the season.

He has been capped once by France, in 2006.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Sunderland | Chimbonda signs up for Sunderland

[NJ10]

He's a complete arsehole, but he isnt a bad signing for Sunderland, although didnt they sign Phil Bardsley from United in the January window? Maybe Chimbonda will be used as a left back.

Malbranque & Tainio will be good acquisitions too, with Reid & Richardson they should have plenty of creativity in there, need someone to finish their chances though- may as well complete a Spurs set and go for Bent.

As for Kaboul, I think Keane should tell him to go fuck himself. His agent's quotes about "not even an earthquake would make him join Sunderland" tell you everything about that player's mentality. Let some other sap take the gamble on him and go for a player who is a bit more humble.