The Morocco-born Frenchman agreed to to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Sunderland after completing an amazing U-turn following his agent's claim that the player wouldn't go to the north-east "even if there was an earthquake".

Villa have now entered the race and Kaboul, signed from Auxerre last summer for £7m, has asked for another 24 hours to consider his future.

Kaboul's agent Rudy Raba insisted a week ago that there was no chance of his client moving to Sunderland, while Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp revealed his own hopes of signing the defender.

However, Raba backtracked after the player held talks with Keane last Saturday and emerged impressed by what he had heard.

To date, only Tainio of the White Hart Lane four has signed for the Black Cats, the 28-year-old Finnish midfielder penning a three-year deal.

Chimbonda is expected to follow within days, but there has been no word publicly from the Malbranque camp.