Malbranque Completes Sunderland Move

Roy Keane has clinched his third signing from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with midfielder Steed Malbranque joining on a four-year deal. However he now looks unlikely to land a fourth, as Younes Kaboul's agent has hinted the center-back prefers a switch to Portsmouth.

Malbranque was a regular with Spurs under Juande Ramos last season but was a right-footer playing on the left flank, and once Keane's bid was accepted it became clear the 28-year-old was not central to the Spaniard's plans.

Keane originally put in a bid for four Spurs players and with full-back Pascal Chimbonda, midfielder Teemu Tainio and Malbranque having now signed, only Kaboul remains. Yesterday Sunderland gave him 24 hours to make up his mind and this afternoon Kaboul's agent said the player had made up his mind.

"He wants to go to Portsmouth," said Rudy Raba. "Sunderland wanted to know within 24 hours but, while he is thankful to Roy Keane for his interest, the boy has decided he does not want to go there."

Portsmouth have not put in a formal bid yet but Harry Redknapp is expected to offer £5m for the 22-year-old over the coming days.