Roy Keane has already brought full-back Pascal Chimbonda and midfielder Teemu Tainio from White Hart Lane to Wearside - and the Sunderland manager has now persuaded Frenchman Malbranque to agree 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 signed forward El-Hadji Diouf from Bolton Wanderers as he changes the look of his side that finished 15th in the Barclays Premier League last season.

can chip

Keane told the club's official website: "Steed is another signing which will excite our supporters and we're delighted to have him here.

"He's played in the Premier League for six or seven years now and has been a consistent performer for both Tottenham and Fulham - he creates a lot for the team and can chip in with a goal or two.

"Steed is a very tricky player and is always looking for the ball and looking to open teams up. He'll certainly offer something different to our team and will further increase competition for places in the midfield area."

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