The 28-year-old Finland midfielder completed his move from White Hart Lane last night after signing a three-year deal.

Keane said on the club's official website, www.safc.co.uk: "I'm delighted to sign a player of Teemu's experience and quality, 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 was set to be joined on Wearside today by Pascal Chimbonda, with Spurs team-mates Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul expected to follow.

Sunderland have agreed fees for all three, with personal terms and medicals the only stumbling blocks remaining.

Versatile midfielder Tainio and full-back Chimbonda have both revealed how impressed they were with Keane at the weekend.

Chairman Niall Quinn and chief executive Peter Walker have managed to push through the first of the deals ahead of Keane's return with his squad from their pre-season camp in Portugal today.

They rounded off their eventful tour last night with a 1-1 draw with Vitoria Setubal in a hard-fought game in Albufeira.

Kieran Richardson latched on to a Graham Kavanagh corner on the stroke of half-time to send a left-foot volley past Vitoria goalkeeper Nikola Milojevic.

The Black Cats had previously courted controversy on the tour after manager Roy Keane and striker Michael Chopra were sent off during the match against Sporting Lisbon on Sunday.

Richardson's equaliser came after Vitoria had taken the lead through Bruno Moraes.

The Brazilian striker took advantage of some slack Sunderland defending to steal in at the back post and turn in a Vitoria corner with only two minutes on the clock.

The second half was a scrappy affair with few chances for either side. Anthony Stokes rattled the Vitoria bar and Phil Bardsley came close but Sunderland could not find a way through.