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 Frenchman Malbranque to agreed a four-year 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 plans.

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 a centre-back.

Keane has also signed forward El-Hadji Diouf from Bolton as he changes the look of his side that finished 15th in the Barclays Premier League last season.