Keane closes on signings

Sunderland boss hopeful on quartet

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 23rd July 2008

sunderland roy keane sporting lisbon

Keane: Confident

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Sunderland manager Roy Keane expects to complete a number of signings by the weekend after meeting with four Tottenham players.

The Black Cats made bids for Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda, Younes Kaboul and Steed Malbranque last week and on Saturday he discussed personal terms with the quartet.

He has now revealed that 'two or three' of the players are very close to joining Sunderland, while he is hopeful that all four will make the move.

It is understood that progress has been made with both Chimbonda and Tainio, while Kaboul may also be on the brink of a switch to the Stadium of Light despite his agent stating last week that the Frenchman was not interested.

Steed Malbranque's situation remains unclear, but Keane is confident that he will be able to push through the deals.

"We have got an agreement with Spurs and a few of the players," he told the Journal.

"We have virtually agreed personal terms with two or three of them, if not four. There are just a few loose ends to be tied up.

Full steam ahead

"I have been in the game long enough to know that these things can drag out a little bit, but in defence of (chief executive) Peter Walker and (chairman) Niall Quinn, from our point of view, it's been full steam ahead.

"I have spoken to Peter and progress has been made, but (with) the amount of players we are trying to sign from one club, there are going to be stumbling blocks."

Keane has also confirmed that talks are ongoing with other transfer targets, although he has not disclosed their identities.

"We are in discussions regarding fees for one or two other players and that will be the case over the next two or three days," he explained.

"I would hope the Tottenham deals would be done by the weekend, and with the other couple of deals I think we might have to be patient, possibly next week."

Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, Tottenham striker Darren Bent and Andrew Johnson of Everton have all been linked with Sunderland this summer.