Chimbonda completes Black Cats move

8:28am Sunday 27th July 2008

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has strengthened his defensive options after the Black Cats completed the signing of Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda.

The 29-year-old versatile full-back has agreed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the player.

"He'll give us more options at the back, creating more competition for places there, so all-in-all it is a fantastic signing for us." Keane told www.safc.com.

"Pascal is one of those rare players who can play anywhere across the back line and that will be invaluable to us, so naturally we are very pleased to secure his services. He has a lot of Premier League experience which can only be a plus for us."

Chimbonda, who moved to White Hart Lane from Wigan for £4.5million in August 2006, becomes the second Spurs player to move to Wearside following Teemu Tainio's switch three days ago.

Guadeloupe-born Chimbonda becomes Keane's third major signing of the summer after the arrivals of teenager David Meyler from Cork City and Finland midfielder Tainio.

Chimbonda began his career with French outfit Le Havre and then had a two-year spell at Bastia before he was signed by Wigan boss Paul Jewell for £500,000 in July 2005.

After an impressive debut season with the Latics he was linked with a number of Premier League clubs and handed in a transfer request at the end of the 2005-06 season.

He began the 2006-07 season as a Wigan player but after declaring his interest in leaving the JJB Stadium he was sold to Spurs on transfer deadline day.

Chimbonda, who has been capped once by France against Denmark in May 2006, went on to make 97 appearances for the club before his move to the Stadium of Light.

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