Roy Keane’s Sunderland have announced the capture of Finnish international Teemu Tainio from Tottenham Hotspur.

The defensive midfielder has signed a three year contract at the Stadium of Light with manager Roy Keane admitting that he has more signings in the pipeline.

“I’m delighted to sign a player of Teemu’s experience and quality,” Keane told the club’s official website.  “He’ll be a valuable addition to our squad.

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

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

Tainio signed for Tottenham from Auxerre in 2005 and made 83 appearances during his time at the North London club.

Pascal Chimbonda is also reportedly close to joining Sunderland, while Keane is also looking to bring in Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul before the start of the new season.

Ref From Mathew Burt - goal.com

After five years in Serie A, Valon Behrami has decided to try his luck in the Premier League and has completed a move from Lazio to West Ham.

The Swiss international became a fixture in the Biancocelesti side, but relations between the former Verona man and the capital club turned sour.

Behrami demanded that Lazio let him go this summer and even threatened to use FIFA’s Article 17 to free himself from the Aquile.

After links with the Bundesliga faded, West Ham stepped in and have agreed a deal that sees Lazio receive £5m.

The 23-year-old been handed a five-year contract in East London and seemed happy with the fresh start.

“I am delighted to play for West Ham and to play in the Premier League,” he said. “It is a dream come true.

“After the European Championship I spoke to the directors and they told me that they were interested in me.

“It was important to talk to everyone and understand the plans for the future and that made me quickly decide to join West Ham.”

Ref From channel4.com

Sky Sports News reports that Blackburn Rovers have accepted a bid from Aston Villa for goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The 37-year-old has stated his intention to move away from Ewood Park this summer, with his new manager Paul Ince reluctant to see him go without securing a replacement.

However, after seeing the player courted heavily by Aston Villa for the past number of days, it seems as though Ince has relented, and a fee in the region of £2million has been agreed by the clubs.

Manchester City were also keen on signing the American, who announced his plans to quit Blackburn after four unbroken top flight seasons.

Ince could turn to Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson as a replacement for the Villa-bound Friedel.

Ref From Peter Staunton - goal.com