The pair were on Wearside on Wednesday afternoon to undergo medicals, which Finland international Tainio passed.

The 28-year-old becomes Black Cats boss Roy Keane's first summer signing and has signed a three-year contract.

Tainio and Chimbonda were among four Tottenham players, along with Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul, to speak to Keane in the north-east on Saturday after the two clubs agreed fees for the quartet.

Keane intimated on Tuesday night that personal terms had also been finalised with two or three of the players.

Versatile midfielder Tainio and full-back Chimbonda have both revealed how impressed they were with Keane at the weekend.

Chairman Niall Quinn and chief executive Peter Walker have managed to push through the first of the deals ahead of Keane's return with his squad from their pre-season camp in Portugal on Thursday.