Dead certs

Sunderland have signed Steed Malbranque from Tottenham Hotspur. The Frenchman had a medical on Wearside yesterday and has agreed a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee to become the club’s third summer arrival from Spurs. One of those, Pascal Chimbonda, made his debut last night in a 1-0 friendly win over Nottingham Forest, with Kieran Richardson scoring the lone goal.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Amaury Bischoff, the Portugal Under-21 midfield player from Werder Bremen. Arsène Wenger’s club may face a Uefa tribunal to determine how much they must pay for the player. Fredrik Stoor, the 24-year-old Sweden right back, has joined Fulham from Rosenborg on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Thomas Sorensen, the goalkeeper released by Aston Villa, has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City.

Decent bets

Roy Keane, the Sunderland manager, is hoping to bolster his defence by signing Bobo Balde on a free transfer from Celtic, provided that personal terms can be agreed. The 32-year-old earns £30,000 a week, a figure that curtailed interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.

Younès Kaboul, of Tottenham, who turned down a move to Sunderland, has, according to his agent, set his heart on playing for Harry Redknapp. “He wants to go to Portsmouth,” Rudy Raba said. Redknapp, however, is yet to agree a fee with Spurs.

Paul Ince’s search for a holding midfield player has led to Blackburn Rovers targeting Vincenzo Grella, the Torino and Australia player.

Long shots

Chelsea are unlikely to allow Andriy Shevchenko, who cost £30.8million two years ago, to rejoin AC Milan on a free transfer.

Middlesbrough are giving a trial to Tony Lochhead, the Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand left back.