Chimbonda joins Black Cats

Defender makes Stadium of Light switch

Last updated: 26th July 2008

chimbonda pascal

Chimbonda: Leaves Spurs

Pascal Chimbonda has completed his move from Tottenham to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.

Skysports.com revealed on Thursday that the defender was undergoing a medical at the Stadium of Light ahead of signing a reported four-year deal.

Chimbonda is now expected to take a place in Sunderland's first XI when they kick-off their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on 16th August.

And manager Roy Keane is delighted to have landed the 29-year-old former Wigan star.

"Pascal is one of those rare players who can play anywhere across the back line," Keane told Sunderland's official website.

Invaluable

"That will be invaluable to us, so naturally we're very pleased to secure his services.

"He has a lot of Premier League experience which can only be a plus for us and he'll give us more options at the back, creating more competition for places there, so all-in-all it is a fantastic signing for us."

Sunderland had a £23million offer accepted by Spurs for four of their players, with Keane eager to bring in Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio, Younes Kaboul and Steed Malbranque.

The Black Cats have already signed Tainio on a three-year deal and Malbranque is understood to have met with Keane to discuss personal terms.

Kaboul is also said to have agreed a switch to the North East, but Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp recently claimed the defender is in favour of a move to Fratton Park.