Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda is in talks with Sunderland - with Steed Malbranque, Younes Kaboul and Teemu Tainio due on Wearside next.Chimbonda travelled to Wearside on Saturday morning for talks with Blacks Cats boss Roy Keane and the 29-year-old was impressed with what the Irishman had to say.

Chimbonda said: "I can confirm that I travelled to meet Roy Keane today at Sunderland's training ground. I was extremely impressed with what he had to say.

"His honesty and openness really were fantastic and I particularly like the plans he has for Sunderland Football Club. The opportunity excites me and I hope he was impressed with what I had to say.

"Now it is down to the club to sort out the personal terms and I will wait to see what happens."

Chimbonda is one of four Spurs men currently being targeted by Sunderland after they agreed fees with the north London club.

It is understood Malbranque, Kaboul and Tainio are due in the north-east later on Saturday for their own talks.

The Black Cats reached agreement with Spurs on Thursday evening, although their chances of landing the four men appear to rest on Keane's ability to persuade them of his vision for the future.

Kaboul's agent Rudy Raba has already indicated there is little chance of the Morocco-born defender joining Sunderland with Portsmouth among a series of suitors, while Chimbonda is also a target for Everton.

Keane is now hoping to tie up the deals as soon as possible ahead of the new season.

"The next two or three weeks are a vital part of the future of Sunderland and my future," he said.

"I know they are working extremely hard and had some very good bids turned down.

"It's all very well trying hard and nearly having these deals. The real dealmakers get over the line.

"Supporters say we don't get these deals done and history tells you we don't, but that's why I'm here - to change history. I'm confident Niall Quinn can get the deals we're after, perhaps in the next 48 hours.

"I want real quality, players who have handled the Premier League. I'm hoping to get five or six players I'm interested in."

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