Black Cats pounce for Tainio

2:39am Thursday 24th July 2008

Sunderland have announced the signing of Tottenham midfielder Teemu Tainio, with Pascal Chimbonda's arrival expected to be confirmed imminently.

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.

Keane said on the club's official website, www.safc.co.uk: "I'm delighted to sign a player of Teemu's experience and quality, he'll be a valuable addition to our squad."

"Teemu has showed versatility, playing in different midfield positions for both Tottenham and his previous club, Auxerre," he added.

"But his experience in particular and the fact he has played more than 40 international games shows he has a lot to offer Sunderland."

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.

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.

Editors Choice