Teemu Tainio has become Sunderland manager’s Roy Keane’s first signing of the summer, as the Black Cats boss looks to tie up deals for his Tottenham Hotspur team-mates Younes Kaboul, Pascal Chimbonda and steed Malbranque by the weekend.

28-year-old Tainio had been at Spurs since signing from Ligue 1 team Auxerre in 2005, and has moved from White Hart Lane to the Stadium of Light on a three-year deal, according to BBC sport.

Tainio is also a Finnish International, something that Keane feels will benefit his Sunderland squad.

“Teemu has showed versatility, playing in different midfield positions for both Tottenham and his previous club, Auxerre,” said Keane.

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

Keane is also upbeat about bringing his other three Spurs targets to Sunderland, with Chimbonda having a medical on Wednesday, and Kaboul seemingly more open to the move. Should Steed Malbranque sign for the Wearside club, Spurs have agreed a fee of £23million for the four players.